In recent years, supply chain practices have gained more attention as media report on human rights allegations against companies. The push for mandatory human rights due diligence (mHRDD) in the region has intensified. If imposed, mHRDD would compel companies to go beyond outlining “commitments” to human rights. They must fill the gaps in their HRDD processes, take action, and provide remediation. Engagements with government agencies, the business community and civil society revealed inadequate capacity-building for companies regarding their supply chains. While larger companies may have the resources and capacity to comply with human rights standards, smaller often do not. There were also requests for training programs to support these companies.

Against this backdrop, AmerBON and FNF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and the Collective of Applied Law and Legal Realism (CALR), organized workshops for companies in the manufacturing sector, including small- and medium-sized companies: “A Conversation on BHR-ESG, Sustainability, and Due Diligence Compliance and Reporting in Malaysia & i-ESGStart Clinic”. The workshops have taken place in three regions of Malaysia. Representatives from more than 150 companies attended the workshops.