Policies

Sustainability Policy

Sustainability Policy

Scope of Policy: This policy statement applies to all operations in Nirvana Asia Group.

ESG Governance: Our SHE Committee oversees our policies and operational controls for environmental, health, safety and social risks, and is led by the Group Chief Executive Officer, who is also a member of the Board of Directors.

ESG Commitment:  We acknowledge that our business activities affect the society and environment around us, and that we have an opportunity and an implicit duty to ensure this impact is positive. Consequently, we are committed to taking responsibility when conducting our business by integrating environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors into our business decisions and operational processes.

ESG Risk Assessment: We will carry out risk assessment to identify major risks and impacts, and implement mitigation measures.

1. Environmental

We believe that we have a responsibility to minimize the energy, carbon, water and waste impacts of our business and recognize that these impacts occur not just in daily operations but also through our entire value chain. As a result, we strive to reduce environmental impacts across the full life cycle of our buildings and our corporate operations. We are committed to the company’s ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certification to help in our environmental efforts.

1.1 Electricity / Renewable Energy

We are committed to driving down our energy and carbon impacts. We shall explore renewable energy options and procure energy saving equipment. For locations that consume large volume of electricity, the local management team shall carry out assessment to identity other feasible options.

1.2 Fuel / Diesel

Our cremators are powered by diesel. We shall monitor diesel consumptions to ensure consumption per cremation case is within acceptable level. We shall explore energy-saving models for new crematorium or for replacement. In addition, all memorial parks shall make electric vehicles such as buggies available for transporting visitors unless hilly conditions making such transportation unsafe.

1.3 Water

Water is precious natural resources. Construction of new locations shall include rain water retention/harvest facilities.

Retention ponds which accounted for 4-5% of the total land area shall be provided at the lowest or valley area to serve as catchment of stormwater. These ponds also serve as effective flood mitigation control system.

1.4 Waste

Disposal of waste has huge environmental impacts and can cause serious problems, particularly scheduled waste resulted from embalming process. We shall engage authorized/licensed external supplier for scheduled waste disposal to avoid causing any harm to the public and environment.

1.5 Precast Concrete Panels

Precast concrete panels play a significant contribution to memorial park development. The products include precast concrete backwalls and walkways for burial plots, and precast drain slabs. Precast concrete improves resource efficiency, reduces waste and resilient to weather conditions. We shall use precast concrete prepared and manufactured off-site at the precast factory or shaded casting yard for our memorial park development.

2. Social

A deep commitment to social responsibility is core to who we are as a company. We believe people are at the heart of our business and take pride in our outstanding work culture. We strive to be an optimal employer to our workforce, as well as a valued partner to our communities. We are committed to the company’s ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) certification to help in our safety and health efforts.

2.1 Employees

We know that the first step in hiring and retaining the best talent is to create safe and inspiring workplaces where people feel valued. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, and seek to maintain a positive workplace, free from discrimination and harassment. We champion mutual respect and promote an environment of fairness and equality. We are also committed to provide  adequate trainings so that employees can perform and be more competent.

We have zero tolerance of any type of harassment, intimidation or violence. Confidential whistleblowing and grievance channels are provided to all employees to convey their concerns to the company.

We prohibit forced or child labours in our operations and expect the same from our suppliers.

2.2 Community

We have a long history of charitable works to the community by giving donation to charity bodies, NGO organizations, public schools, underprivileged citizens, etc. We will continue to contribute to the community via NV Foundation and respective departmental activities.

In addition, we are committed to prioritizing recruiting work forces from nearby communities, especially “orang asli” indigenous villages and providing employment opportunity to senior citizen.

3. Governance

We view good governance as essential to creating and preserving value for our shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders. We conduct business in an honest and ethical manner, and strive to comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies as well as unwavering adherence to our values. We are committed to the company’s ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) certification to help in our governance efforts.

Although not exhaustive, attentions shall be given to the following:

3.1 Cybersecurity

Confidentiality, data integrity, and information security of our data and systems are important to us. We aim to embed security at all stages of the technology lifecycle. We are committed to invest in technology to strengthen our system and data controls. Cyber threat reviews (vulnerability checking, access review, security posture assessment, etc.) shall be carried out regularly. We view unauthorized system intrusion seriously, and will conduct in depth investigation to identify root cause and implement preventive actions. An incident report shall be prepared and submitted to Management.

3.2 Bribery and Corruption

Bribery and corruption are concerns of all stakeholders. We have written policies and procedures to address, mitigate and reduce corruption and bribery risks. We are committed to provide appropriate anti-corruption training to all locations and departments to raise awareness of corruption situation and activities.

3.3 Interest Scheme Act 2016

Most of our products in Malaysia are governed by Interest Scheme Act 2016. We are committed to comply with the Act.

3.4 Multi-Level Marketing And Pyramid Selling (Prohibition) Act

Singapore sales operations is required to comply with the eight conditions in Section 2(c) of Multi-Level Marketing And Pyramid Selling (Excluded Schemes And Arrangements) Order 2000 (“Order”) to avoid being classified as Multi-Level Marketing. We are committed to comply with the Order.

3.5 Agency Network

Our agency networks generate most of our revenues. We shall provide sufficient trainings and supports to the networks so that their professionalism reflects the company’s stance towards great customer service.

3.6 Procurement

Procurement plays a large role in the work that we do, from daily administrative needs to the building blocks of our developments. We intend to make our operations more sustainable by:

  • Upholding the laws and regulations of the respective countries we operate in.
  • Endorsing highest standards of economic, social, ethical, and environmental practices.
  • Identifying and moderating risks associated with our procurement process.
  • Communicating the policy with stakeholders (internal and external) and raising awareness among our suppliers.

In accordance with our commitment to the highest standards, we shall base on the following to procure from suppliers which aspire to the same standards in their business operations:

> Environmental

In principle, purchase is awarded to the lowest price; however, consideration shall be given to suppliers whose product and services are designed, sourced and manufactured taking into consideration resource (i.e. energy, water, raw materials) efficiency, climate change impacts and biodiversity conservation.

We are committed to procuring green products/services. Preference shall be given to green product/service unless the product/service:

      • Is available at unreasonable price.
      • Is unavailable within a reasonable timeframe.
      • Will not meet reasonable performance standards

> Social

We place great emphasis on respect for human rights, good labour practices and adherence to the laws and regulations. We shall expect our suppliers practice good governance, treat employees with dignity, and care for the community at large. Suppliers shall ensure proper health and safety procedures are in place when performing works for us. Forced and child labour will not be tolerated.

Community is critical part of the company’s ecosystem. We shall prioritize and source for local services and products which meet our ESG standards.

Vendor Code of Conduct

Vendor Code of Conduct

Nirvana Asia Group (Nirvana) is committed to conducting its business in an ethical and socially responsible manner. The Vendor Code of Conduct (VCC) outlines the practices and professional conduct expected of all vendors of Nirvana.

1. Obey the law

As a responsible company, we expect our vendors to share our commitment to compliance with the law. We expect our vendors to:

  • Know and comply with all relevant laws and regulations that govern their business and activities.
  • Treat legal requirements as a minimum standard.
2. Conduct business with integrity

We seek business relationships based on trust, transparency, and mutual accountability. We expect our vendors to:

  • Never offer or accept bribes, kickbacks, inappropriate gifts or hospitality, or other improper incentives in connection with Nirvana’s business.
  • Exercise proper care and judgement and avoid conflict of interest in the discharge of their obligations.
3. Treat people with dignity and respect

We expect our vendors to prioritize the safety, well-being, and dignity of all individuals helping us deliver our products and services. We expect our vendors to:

  • Provide safe and healthy working conditions at their operations.
  • Provide their employees with a workplace free of harsh and inhumane treatment, without any sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment or torture, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse of employees, or the threat of any such treatment.
  • Never use or tolerate the use of forced labour or child labour as defined by country laws or International Labour Organization (ILO) in the absence of country laws.
  • Respect cultural differences and employ based on merit, performance and ability.
  • Refrain from allowing working hours exceeding the maximum set by the applicable country law.
  • Comply with applicable wage laws and pay wages in a timely manner.
4. Protect Nirvana’s information, assets, and interests

We expect our vendors to protect Nirvana’s reputation and any information or property we entrust to them. We expect our vendors to:

  • Keep confidential all information made available by Nirvana in the course of carrying out contractual duties.
  • Apply appropriate industry standard and data security control best practices to ensure that all data and information is protected and secure from loss and unauthorized use.
5. Be a responsible corporate citizen

We encourage our vendors to help nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We expect our vendors to:

  • Operate in compliance with relevant environmental laws and standards of the country in which they operate.
  • Recognize that environmental responsibility is integral. Adverse effects on the community and environment are to be minimized while safeguarding the health and safety of the public.

Reporting of Improper Activities / Whistle Blowing

A vendor who becomes aware of any actual or likely irregular business dealings or violations of the Vendor Code of Conduct must report such matters immediately through the following email address:

Email: whistleblowing@nvasia.com.my