Energy accounts for roughly three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. As economies expand, energy demand rises, yet the climate crisis demands the opposite: cutting emissions.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Susten is an energy efficiency and performance contracting company that helps commercial properties such as office towers, shopping malls and hotels operate smarter, cleaner and more profitably. Its work spans engineering diagnostics, system redesign, implementation, controls optimisation and long-term performance verification.

"Our projects consistently achieve over 40% reduction in energy use, translating into substantial savings in TNB bills and meaningful cuts in carbon emissions," said CEO Kok Shin Lin. "For building owners, this means lower operating expenditure, improved asset value, and a smoother path to meeting ESG and decarbonisation targets."

Closing the efficiency gap

Many existing buildings still run aging air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems that waste energy unnecessarily. Susten saw an opportunity to close that gap by pairing engineering expertise with performance accountability, and its role has since evolved from technical service provider to strategic energy partner.

"We help building owners navigate energy efficiency, ESG commitments, and regulatory frameworks such as Malaysia's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act," Shin Lin explained. "Working with Susten means more than improving an engineering system; it means unlocking long-term operational savings, elevating asset value, and positioning your building competitively in a market that increasingly rewards sustainability performance."

Data-driven innovation
For Susten, innovation is rooted in continuous learning and the adoption of technology. The company leverages digital monitoring, automation and data analytics to continuously optimise building performance while maintaining reliability for its clients. Greater visibility into system performance lets building owners make more informed decisions and track their sustainability progress more accurately.

Recognition and growth
Susten's track record has earned recognition in Malaysia and across the region. The company was recognised at Malaysia's National Energy Awards and named among the Steward Leadership 25 in Singapore, which honours organisations demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable impact. It also received two Gold Awards from the Malaysian Association of Energy Service Companies (MAESCO), for Energy Efficiency and Innovation in Sustainability.

Winning at the SME100 Awards adds to that momentum. "Participating in the SME100 Awards allows us to showcase that our solutions are proven and that we are ready to grow further," said Shin Lin. "It is a proud milestone for our team. It strengthens our credibility with clients, partners and financial institutions."

Building growth through impact
For other SMEs looking to scale, Shin Lin believes the starting point is simple: solve a problem that matters. "Focus on solving meaningful problems rather than simply chasing business opportunities. When you address a genuine market need, growth tends to follow naturally," she said. "Build credibility through results. In technical industries like energy efficiency, performance speaks louder than marketing."

As energy costs rise and sustainability expectations grow, energy efficiency is no longer just a technical upgrade — it is becoming a strategic business decision. For building owners looking to cut energy costs while advancing their sustainability goals, Susten offers a practical place to start. To learn more, visit https://www.susten.green/.

This series of Business Stories is in collaboration with SME 100.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.