Exclusive Interview with Dr. M.R. (Maga) Ramasamy

Dr. M.R. (Maga) Ramasamy is a distinguished leader in the field of corporate sustainability, with over 40 years of experience in driving impactful change within organizations. As a Senior Partner at MHCI Consortium, he specializes in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into business strategies. Holding an MBA focused on Human Resources Management and Corporate Sustainability, Dr. Ramasamy has collaborated with global experts to enhance sustainability education and practices across Africa. His recent accolades, including an Honoris Causa Doctorate in Business Management, reflect his commitment to fostering responsible business practices and promoting sustainability on a global scale.

1.    Can you tell us your background and what led you to your current role at MHCI Consortium?

Absolutely! My journey into corporate sustainability began during my time at the National Carrier, where I spent over 40 years, ultimately leading the Corporate Sustainability and Social Responsibility department. This role allowed me to pioneer sustainability efforts, working directly with stakeholders to embed these practices into the business. I hold an MBA with a focus on Human Resources Management and Corporate Sustainability, which helped me bridge the gap between business objectives and sustainable development.

A key turning point came through my work with Professor Michael Hopkins from the University of Geneva, a leader in the CSR and sustainability space. Together, we developed training programs and workshops across Africa, which further ignited my passion for driving sustainable business. This collaboration led to the co-founding of MHCI Consortium, where I now serve as Senior Partner. My focus is on building sustainable practices that not only benefit organizations but also contribute to long-term ecological and social impact.

At MHCI Consortium, we emphasize a business-friendly approach to sustainability, helping companies integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their core strategies. My role involves supporting businesses in striking a balance—ensuring they remain commercially successful while contributing positively to both the environment and society. As a member of the Institute for Responsible Leadership, I work to promote leadership integrity that aligns with CSR and sustainability, both in the public and private sectors.

Moreover, my recent leadership role as President of the World Airlines Clubs Association (WACA) has further solidified my commitment to sustainability. During our recent 55th annual general assembly in Mauritius, we emphasized the importance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other key environmental and social initiatives within the aviation industry. Under my leadership, WACA has showcased Mauritius as a model for sustainability in aviation, promoting responsible practices like reducing plastic usage and addressing food waste. These efforts align perfectly with my mission to drive sustainability at a global scale.

Additionally, I have recently been honoured with an Honoris Causa Doctorate Award (Ph.D.) in Business Management by Thames International University, recognizing my contributions to the field of sustainability and responsible business practices. This recognition, alongside the ASEAN Education & Leadership Award, continues to motivate me to inspire others and lead initiatives that foster sustainable growth, which is truly humbling.

2.    As a Senior Partner specializing in ESG and sustainability, what are your primary responsibilities and daily tasks?

Since MHCI Consortium is still a relatively new consultancy start-up with a small but growing client base, my focus is on helping our clients integrate ESG principles into their core strategies. I work closely with leadership teams to show how sustainability is not only crucial for responsible operations but also for achieving long-term success. By aligning sustainability with their business goals, we help clients unlock opportunities that benefit both their bottom line and the environment.

Day-to-day, I’m providing tailored consultancy, conducting detailed assessments of their current practices, and identifying ways to enhance their ESG efforts. I also collaborate closely with ESG Champions within these companies to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to drive sustainable change effectively.

Additionally, I lead practical training sessions for teams, focusing on actionable strategies that make sustainability a key part of their business. Our goal is to help clients build resilience, manage risk, and embrace sustainability as a vital element of their overall success.

3.    How does MHCI Consortium apply ESG and Sustainability? Can you describe any key projects or initiatives you are currently working on?

At MHCI Consortium, our approach to ESG and sustainability is all about creating value for our clients while instilling a deep understanding of sustainability, CSR, and ESG principles. We start by identifying an organization’s key stakeholders and guiding them on how to engage with them ethically and responsibly. This foundational step is crucial for embedding sustainable practices into their core operations.

One of our exciting initiatives is the development of an online training platform in collaboration with the International Institute of CSR from India and the CSR Financial Institute. This project aims to provide businesses with a structured framework to apply ESG practices effectively. We’re anticipating the launch of this platform in November 2024, and I can’t express how eager we are to get it off the ground!

Partnerships play a vital role in our efforts to raise awareness around ESG principles. We align our work with Goal 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasizes strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development. By collaborating with various stakeholders, we can enhance the means of implementation and truly drive impactful change in the business landscape.

4.     What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in the ESG and sustainability landscape today?

The ESG landscape is evolving rapidly, but it comes with its share of challenges. One major hurdle is regulatory inconsistencies that often create confusion for businesses trying to adopt ESG practices. Additionally, many organizations still lack awareness of what ESG truly entails, leading to resistance to change. Measuring impact can also be a daunting task, leaving companies unsure about their progress.

On the flip side, there are exciting opportunities on the horizon. The global focus on sustainability is stronger than ever, and investors are increasingly seeking out ESG-compliant companies. This shift not only opens doors for businesses to thrive but also drives innovations in green technology. Companies that embrace ESG can position themselves as leaders in this new era, attracting talent and customers who prioritize ethical practices.

Ultimately, while challenges exist, the growing emphasis on sustainability presents a wealth of opportunities for organizations willing to adapt. At MHCI, we are committed to guiding our clients through these complexities by providing tailored strategies that make ESG practices both accessible and effective. By fostering partnerships and promoting awareness, we empower businesses to navigate challenges while seizing the opportunities that come with a commitment to sustainability. This not only enhances their reputation but also contributes to a more sustainable future for all. In this regard, we are in the process of organizing a Global Sustainability Summit in Mauritius next year.

5.     How do you measure the impact of your ESG initiatives, and what metrics or frameworks do you use to assess success?

I absolutely love this question! As a brand-new consultancy, we’re in the process of developing a comprehensive framework to effectively measure the impact of our ESG initiatives. While we haven’t fully established specific metrics yet, we recognize the importance of doing so to better serve and help businesses navigate their sustainability journeys.

We aim to incorporate widely recognized frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), UN Global Compact, and ISO 26000, alongside customized impact assessments tailored to our clients’ specific needs. In Mauritius, we adopt the Stock Exchange of Mauritius Sustainability Index (SEMSI), which tracks the performance of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius based on their sustainability practices. This index serves as a benchmark for investors looking to engage with organizations committed to ESG principles.

Currently, we’re focusing on understanding our clients’ unique needs and objectives, which will guide us in identifying the most relevant metrics for their specific situations. By engaging with stakeholders and gathering insights, we will develop a tailored framework that not only measures progress but also empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions in their ESG practices. Through continual refinement of our methods, we aspire to support our clients in achieving meaningful and impactful sustainability outcomes.

Dr. M.R. (Maga)  Ramasamy, PhD ( H.C), MBA, MIRL

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