About the Authors

Abstract

Funding

Preface

Acknowledgement

CHAPTER 1: RETHINKING ESG: IDEALS, REALITIES, AND BEHAVIORAL VULNERABILITIES

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1.1 Introduction: Deconstructing the ESG Ideal

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1.2 From Rationality to Reflex: Theoretical and Behavioural Grounding

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1.3 ESG in Action: Global Illustrations of Ethical Inconsistency

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1.4 Survey Reflections: What Investors Say vs. What They Do

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1.5 Narrowing the Gap: Policy, Strategy, and Psychological Realism

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1.6 Conclusion: Rethinking ESG through a Behavioral Lens

CHAPTER 2: PROFITABILITY VERSUS PRINCIPLE: THE FINANCIAL TRADE-OFFS IN ESG INVESTING

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2.1 Introduction: Rethinking the ESG Payoff

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2.2 Literature and Theory: ESG Returns Through a Behavioral Lens

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2.3 Global Tensions: Ethical Branding and Financial Reality

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2.4 What the Data Shows: ESG Beliefs vs. Investment Actions

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2.5 Closing the Gap: Practical Interventions and Policy Tools

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2.6 Conclusion: Beyond the ESG Narrative

CHAPTER 3: THE TRUMP EFFECT AND ESG BACKLASH: POLITICAL RISKS AND MARKET REACTIONS

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3.1 Introduction: Unmasking the Political Vulnerability of ESG

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3.2 When Regulation Reverses: Political Economy and Behavioural Finance

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3.3 Political Shockwaves: ESG Case Studies from the Trump Era

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3.4 Investor Reactions: Survey Evidence on Political Risk Perception

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3.5 Strengthening ESG Resilience in Politicised Markets

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3.6 Conclusion: ESG in an Age of Ideological Volatility

CHAPTER 4: CRACKS IN THE INVESTOR LENS: COGNITIVE BIASES IN ESG INVESTMENT

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4.1 Introduction: The Myth of Rational ESG Investing

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4.2 Mapping the Bias Landscape: Theory and Literature

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4.3 Global Patterns of ESG Misjudgment

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4.4 Surveying Bias in Action: Insights from Malaysian Investors

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4.5 Educating the ESG Mindset: Behavioural Solutions

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4.6 Conclusion: Toward a More Rational ESG Investor

CHAPTER 5: THE ILLUSION OF GREEN: GREENWASHING, CREDIBILITY RISKS, AND MARKET FAILURES

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5.1 Introduction: Green on the Surface: ESG’s Credibility Crisis

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5.2 Rating Sustainability: Theory and Critiques of ESG Metrics

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5.3 Behind the Green Curtain: Case Examples of Reputational Engineering

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5.4 Insights from the Field: Interviews with Malaysian ESG Professionals

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5.5 Restoring Trust: Institutional and Behavioural Solutions

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5.6 Conclusion: Reclaiming Substance in Sustainable Finance

CHAPTER 6: CONFIDENCE GAMES AND HERD INSTINCTS: BEHAVIORAL DISTORTIONS IN SUSTAINABLE MARKETS

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6.1 Introduction: ESG Safety Illusion

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6.2 Theoretical Fault Lines: Overconfidence and Collective Irrationality

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6.3 ESG Boom-Bust Cycles: Global Case Reflections

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6.4 Interview Insights: Herding and Overconfidence in Malaysian ESG Behavior

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6.5 Managing Momentum: Behavioural Risk Controls for ESG Portfolios

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6.6 Conclusion: Rethinking ESG as a Social Signal

CHAPTER 7: MALAYSIA’S DUAL ESG FRAMEWORK: INTEGRATING ISLAMIC FINANCE AND SUSTAINABLE INVESTING

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7.1 Introduction: Sustainability Meets Syariah

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7.2 Literature and Theoretical Grounding: Harmonising Ethical Systems

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7.3 Real-World Convergence: Institutional and Policy Innovations in Malaysia

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7.4 Evidence from the Ground: Questionnaire Insights from Malaysian ESG Stakeholders

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7.5 Advancing Dual Integrity: Policy and Behavioral Recommendations

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7.6 Conclusion: A Malaysian Model of ESG Convergence

CHAPTER 8: ASIA’S ESG MOMENTUM: GROWTH NARRATIVES AND STRUCTURAL VULNERABILITIES

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8.1 Introduction: The Rise of ESG in Asia

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8.2 Literature and Theory: Asia’s ESG Push Through a Structural Lens

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8.3 Reality Check: Regional Case Studies of ESG Contradictions

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8.5 Rethinking ESG Credibility: Regional Solutions and Behavioural Correctives

CHAPTER 9: EUROPE’S ESG LEADERSHIP: REGULATORY INNOVATION AND HIDDEN INEFFICIENCIES

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9.1 Introduction: Reframing Europe’s ESG Reputation

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9.2 Theory Meets Bureaucracy: ESG Regulation in the EU

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9.3 Lost in Translation: Case Examples of ESG Mislabeling and Reclassification

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9.4 Field Reflections: Questionnaire Insights from EU ESG Professionals

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9.5 Reforming the Framework: Making ESG Regulation Work

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9.6 Conclusion: Rethinking ESG Leadership

CHAPTER 10: THE UNITED STATES AND ESG: POLITICAL REVERSALS, INVESTOR RESISTANCE, AND MARKET ADAPTATIONS

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10.1 Introduction: ESG’s Politicisation in America

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10.2 Reversals and Repercussions: Unpacking Federal and State-Level ESG Conflicts

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10.3 Realignment in Practice: Case Evidence from Institutional Investors

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10.4 Interviews from the Frontlines: How U.S. ESG Leaders Are Adapting

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10.5 Surveying the Divide: Evidence from ESG Practitioners Nationwide

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10.6 Conclusion: Lessons from Fragmented Markets

CHAPTER 11: ESG TECHNOLOGY, INVESTOR JUDGMENT, AND LOCAL ADAPTATION

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11.1 Introduction: Digital Disruption in ESG Investing

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11.2 Algorithmic Oversight: Theoretical Anchors and Behavioural Tensions

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11.3 Embedded or Erased? Case Reflections from Malaysian Fund Managers

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11.4 Quantifying Local Frictions: Survey Insights from ESG Practitioners

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11.5 Conclusion: Tech and Local Insight

CHAPTER 12: PLANNING ESG FUTURES: GLOBAL SCENARIOS AND REGIONAL VALUES

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12.1 Introduction: ESG Beyond a Universal Blueprint

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12.2 Worldviews That Matter: Theoretical Foundations and Cultural Anchors

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12.3 Futures as Perceived: Survey Results from Asian ESG Professionals

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12.4 Voices of Vision: Interview Insights from ESG Policymakers and Thought Leaders

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12.5 Competing Horizons: Scenario Mapping and Strategic Differentiation

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12.6 Conclusion: Toward Inclusive ESG Futures