Fostering ESG investing among Malaysian Gen Z

In Malaysia, the rapid growth of financial technology (fintech) platforms, together with improved internet access and increasing financial literacy, has significantly lowered barriers to entry. These developments have enabled young investors to engage with a wide range of financial products, ranging from traditional stocks and unit trusts to innovative digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and peer-to-peer lending. The accessibility of online trading applications, combined with financial education initiatives, has empowered this demographic to take greater control of their financial futures, making investment not only more attainable but also more appealing than ever before. At the same time, investment priorities are evolving in response to broader societal changes. In a context in which there is growing global concern about climate change, social justice and corporate governance (Enciso-Alfaro & García-Sánchez, 2023), the debate has moved beyond financial performance only. However, more and more people are asking about the ethical nature of younger investors' investments and how profit-driven they are, especially those from Generation Z (Gen Z). This pattern also demonstrates growing interest in responsible and sustainable investing, which involves making choices based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations besides returns