Malaysia is making notable advancements in green technology, positioning itself as a key player in global sustainability efforts, according to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Speaking at the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2024, the minister emphasised the growing importance of such platforms in driving innovation and collaboration in the green technology sector.
Nik Nazmi highlighted that IGEM 2024 offers a crucial opportunity for both government and industry stakeholders to engage, turning sustainable development strategies into actionable initiatives and investments. “These gatherings are essential in addressing urgent environmental challenges, transforming ideas into impactful solutions,” he said during the IGEM 2024 Exhibitor Reception.
The event, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, is the longest-running green technology exhibition in the region. Organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), alongside the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), the exhibition aims to foster regional leadership in climate action under the theme Race Towards Net Zero: Regional Leadership for Climate Urgency. The event is expected to attract 48,000 visitors from over 48 countries and generate RM4.8 billion in business leads.
Pushing for Global Leadership in Sustainability
Nik Nazmi underscored Malaysia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. He noted that the government is determined to align national development goals with global sustainability targets, pushing for the expansion of renewable energy sources and the adoption of sustainable practices across key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
“Environmental sustainability must be at the core of economic growth, not an afterthought,” the minister stated, pointing to Malaysia’s concrete steps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding its renewable energy capacity.
He also stressed the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors to accelerate progress toward these ambitious goals. “Government efforts alone are not enough. Collaboration with the private sector is vital to creating lasting and meaningful change,” he added.
IGEM: A Platform for Innovation and Action
Reflecting on the success of previous editions, the minister noted that IGEM 2023 had generated over RM5 billion in business leads, reinforcing the importance of such platforms in promoting sustainable development across the region. He expressed optimism that IGEM 2024 will continue to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and investment in green technologies, adapting to the fast-evolving landscape of technological advancement.
“Our goal is to ensure IGEM remains a relevant and dynamic platform as green technologies and innovations progress, benefiting all stakeholders involved,” Nik Nazmi said.
The event’s opening also featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC-COP29) Pavilion, attended by Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii. Key figures from the ministry and the MGTC, including CEO Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, were also present.
Malaysia’s participation in global climate initiatives remains strong, with the country set to attend COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November, further solidifying its role in the global fight against climate change.