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5 Key Lessons from the 2024 Promise of Integrity Conference: Why Training on Compliance is a Cornerstone of Ethical Business
The 2024 Promise of Integrity Conference, held on November 14 at the Ascott Gurney Hotel in Penang, brought together over 250 professionals, including leaders from 110 organizations. It was a compelling platform to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: embedding ethics, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, and responsible business practices into the DNA of companies worldwide.
As someone fortunate to participate in these powerful discussions, I walked away with five major lessons—lessons that reinforced the urgency for action, the necessity of training, and the importance of cultivating a culture of compliance. Here’s what stood out most:
1. Modern Slavery Is a Reality We Cannot Ignore
The numbers presented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) were staggering. Globally, 50 million people live in slavery-like conditions, with 28 million of them forced into labor, the majority within the Asia Pacific region. Indicators of forced labor—such as debt bondage, isolation, retention of identification documents, and restriction of movement—paint a stark picture of exploitation.
Businesses cannot afford to turn a blind eye. Compliance is no longer just a legal requirement; it is a moral imperative. Employers must adopt due diligence frameworks that are proactive and ongoing. This means continuously identifying risks, mitigating them, and ensuring that human rights violations do not occur within their operations or supply chains. Compliance is no longer optional—it is a must for any business operating responsibly.
2. Compliance Is More Than a Checklist—It Requires Leadership Commitment
One of the most impactful discussions at the conference was around greenwashing versus authentic ESG action. Far too often, ESG compliance risks becoming just another item on a corporate checklist, something companies do to “tick the box” for marketing purposes or procurement exercises rather than genuinely embedding it in their culture.
But genuine ESG compliance requires more than forms and audits—it requires true leadership involvement. A telling indicator of whether a company is serious about ESG is whether its board members and executives are personally invested in the initiatives. When leadership takes ownership, ESG becomes part of the company’s culture, not just its operations. Without this commitment, even the most well-intentioned ESG programs can fall flat.
3. RBA and ESG Training: A Critical Foundation for Success
The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) presented a robust framework for businesses to start or advance their compliance journey. The Responsible Factory Initiative is particularly valuable for companies taking their first steps, offering accessible tools and resources to navigate the complexities of requirements. However, even the best tools will fall short without proper training.
Training is the backbone of compliance—it is what transforms ESG and RBA standards from abstract principles into actionable practices. At the conference, it was repeatedly emphasized that training must happen across all levels and functions of an organization:
External Training: Workshops and certifications that educate teams on RBA and ESG principles.
Internal Training: Formal onboarding programs, coaching, and mentoring to ensure every employee understands their role in compliance.
Ongoing Education: Continuous learning opportunities to keep teams updated on evolving standards and practices.
Without robust training programs, there is a real risk that RBA and ESG standards become superficial—a mere list of tasks to complete, rather than a transformative set of principles integrated into a company’s identity.
4. Supply Chain ESG Compliance Is an Opportunity for Creativity
In the panel I moderated on Supply Chain ESG Compliance, it became clear that large companies hold immense leverage in influencing their suppliers. This leverage comes with responsibility. Businesses must go beyond contractual obligations to actively empower and support their suppliers in meeting ESG standards.
Creative approaches are already emerging:
Financing ESG Initiatives: Larger firms can negotiate favourable terms with banks to help suppliers fund sustainability projects.
Technology Support: Providing suppliers with access to advanced tools and systems to streamline ESG compliance.
Risk Assessments: Using frameworks such as Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, and just-in-time supply practices to identify and mitigate ESG risks.
This collaboration benefits both parties: suppliers become stronger and more compliant, while larger businesses gain the confidence that their supply chain aligns with their ESG goals.
5. Compliance Is the Foundation of Competitive Advantage
Far from being a burden, compliance can actually be a competitive advantage. Companies that prioritize ethical practices, sustainability, and governance will find themselves better positioned to attract investors, clients, and talent in an increasingly ESG-conscious market.
However, achieving this requires a clear ROI framework for ESG initiatives, something many businesses still struggle with ROI in ESG can take the form of:
Reduced regulatory risks.
Improved reputation and brand equity.
Long-term cost savings through energy efficiency and sustainable practices.
The ability to measure and communicate these returns will set leaders apart from those who view compliance as merely a cost.
Conclusion: Building a Culture of Compliance Through Training
The 2024 Promise of Integrity Conference underscored an essential truth: compliance is not a one-time task or a legal requirement—it is a commitment to building better businesses and a better world. However, this commitment will only succeed if it is backed by meaningful action, leadership ownership, and a strong foundation of training.
Companies must approach compliance as a cultural shift, embedding it into every level of their organization. With the right tools, training, and leadership, businesses can move beyond checklists and create meaningful, lasting change.
As I reflect on the conference, one thought remains clear: the future belongs to those who lead with integrity.
Author
Mohammad Kashif
PMP | Head of Marketing & Project Solutions