The global impacts of climate change are increasingly apparent, and Malaysia is no exception to this worrying trend. The country is grappling with amplified weather conditions, marked by more frequent and more intense storms and an increased risk of severe flooding. Meanwhile, ecosystem degradation caused by illegal logging and habitat destruction has taken a toll on Malaysia’s rich biodiversity, while the pervasive problem of plastic waste contaminates its waterways.
Additionally, nearly three billion people remain offline worldwide despite increased innovation and expanded connectivity. In Malaysia, there are gaps in digital access between wealthier, more connected groups and lower-income, often marginalized communities.
Faced with these challenges, many companies, including the country’s tech giants like HP, have committed to improving environmental sustainability and digital equity through specific, measurable actions.
HP has set ambitious goals and aspires to become the fairest and most sustainable technology company in the world by 2030. Since establishing a manufacturing plant in Perai, Penang, in 1972, the technology giant based in California has a long history of involvement in Malaysia. . Since then, she has led various local initiatives, uniting her workforce with the community, committed to creating the most sustainable portfolio of devices and services.
In Malaysia, HP has taken significant steps towards sustainable development while also focusing on improving human rights and promoting digital equity within local communities. HP’s recent release of its 22nd annual Sustainable Impact Report highlights ongoing efforts in these areas, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and digital equity.
Bridging the digital divide through digital equity
Chief among these is its collaboration with the Aspen Institute, which helps nonprofits implement innovative approaches to meet the needs of underserved communities impacted by the digital divide. HP powers the Digital Equity Accelerator with technology solutions for each participating organization, advancing HP’s commitment to advance digital equity for 150 million people worldwide by 2030.
Three NGOs were selected by HP and the Aspen Institute, Dignity For Children Foundation, which provides access, education and support to students and teachers across Malaysia to bridge digital divides in a changing world. Additionally, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Malaysia’s first non-profit cancer organization providing education, care and support services, aims to create an online database to enable the early detection of cancer. Finally, the Science of Life Studies 24/7 program aims to develop new modules teaching digital skills, professional and personal development, English and life skills and to organize learning workshops in Orang Asli and the poor urban communities.
Through the Digital Equity Accelerator, HP provides access to cutting-edge devices tailored to the needs of each NGO; Curated resources include best practices and case studies, personalized training programs for pre-selected participants on digital literacy and content creation, and a dedicated HP advisor who will offer advice and expertise.
Commitment to sustainability through HP product design
Additionally, through initiatives at the HP Malaysia Manufacturing plant, employees have collectively planted over 1,000 mangrove seedlings as part of its wetland restoration program, improving HP’s net zero deforestation rate .
HP employees have also removed more than 1,000 kg of waste and microplastics through its shoreline cleanup program – this, combined with the fact that HP uses more than 32,200 tonnes of post-consumer recycled plastic in its built product line in a sustainable manner, demonstrates its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
HP Personal System and printing devices take great strides in sustainability by incorporating environmentally friendly materials. For example, products like the HP OMEN 16 and HP Victus 16 have integrated marine plastics into their enclosures. This sustainable approach is not limited to these models alone; the ZBook Studio, ZBook Firefly and HP Specter x360 are also following suit, incorporating marine plastics into their enclosures and using recycled aluminum. Additionally, HP’s commitment to environmental responsibility extends across its entire line of original ink and toner cartridges, all of which incorporate recycled materials.
In 2021, HP has set ambitious goals for sustainable impact in three areas where the company believes it can make the biggest difference: climate action, human rights and digital equity. The 2022 report details progress across three priority areas, including a net zero carbon value chain, giving back to forests more than we take in, creating a more circular economy, building a culture of equality and empowerment, and accelerating digital equity around the world to enable traditionally excluded communities to thrive in a digital economy.
HP Inc. released its 2022 Sustainability Impact Report, marking the 22nd consecutive year of reporting on sustainability progress on climate action, human rights and digital equity, of which you can find link here: https://www.hp.com/my-en/sustainable-impact.html.
You can also find the sustainable HP range here: https://www.hp.com/my-en/home.html.
