Renowned Experts Share Valuable Insights on Environmental Sustainability

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Completing its second month, the 12th International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2021), organised by the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) and co-organised by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC), continues to solidify its role as the go-to platform in the region to engage with prominent experts and further diversify their knowledge on environmental sustainability.

Themed "Redefining Sustainability", this year’s IGEM calls for a renewed focus on climate change and green technology as a means to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to encourage governments, policy makers, industry leaders and experts, entrepreneurs as well as the general public to collectively find ways to pursue economic and social well-being in a more planet-friendly manner.

In line with theme, to foster a collaborative exchange of insights and learn from the various international environmental policies in place, IGEM 2021 convened a webinar hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, titled “Food Waste Management: Solutions from the Netherlands” which examined the country’s policy aimed at reducing food waste. The webinar focused on the challenges faced and innovative solutions in food waste management as well as discussing how different countries can adopt and adapt technologies to prevent food waste from ending up in landfills.

In his welcoming speech, His Excellency Aart Jacobi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malaysia said “Food waste is a global issue which requires immediate global attention. It occurs across the entire food chain and an integrated solution to provide sustainable food for everyone should be developed. We are indeed very grateful to have with us a panel of experts to share their views and solutions to overcome this issue. We believe that only by connecting all partners with practical experience, theoretical knowledge and innovative technology, can the best solution be designed.”

With the thematic focus in August being Water, IGEM 2021 featured several events dealing with conservation and preservation efforts of not only water resources but also the entire ecosystem including a pocket talk Introduction on Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme (WEPLS) by Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN), “Water Resources Management: Redefining Sustainability” conference by Global Environment Centre (GEC) and a symposium on Multi-Stakeholders’ Engagement in Forest/Protected Area Governance for Conservation and Livelihoods by Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).

The five-day MNS symposium gathered local and international experts from 10 countries in the areas of environmental sustainability, exploring multi-stakeholders’ engagement in forest management approaches focused primarily on tropical countries, which would help to recommend important policy guidelines for pluralistic forest and protected area governance in Malaysia. Throughout the many panel discussions and workshop sessions, the various stakeholders discussed current practices, field outcomes, challenges and the way forward in this area.

During his welcome remarks, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ismail, MNS President said, “The main objective of this symposium is to bring together different stakeholders to share information and debate on a range of issues concerning forest and protected areas conservation, to eventually find ways to ensure the sustainability of
our natural environment.”

“I hope at the end of this symposium, after the series of panel discussions and many ideas being exchanged, we can also find better ways to systematically include multi-stakeholder participation in forest and protected areas governance, be it through policies, regulations, knowledge sharing or financial support,” he concluded.

For the month of September, IGEM 2021 will be centred on Climate Change and Environment, with a number of local and international events such as the 4th Netherlands Water Dialogue by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and KASA; the Transformation, Revolution, Action, Commitment (TRAC) Forum by MGTC; the Communicating Science for Climate Action Grant Programme by the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur and EcoKnights; as well as the GHG Emissions from Peatland Management in relation to Malaysia’s Commitment under Paris Agreement on Climate Change by GEC, among many others. 

MGTC will also be hosting a virtual ceremony to announce the winners of the prestigious National Energy Awards (NEA), being held for the fourth consecutive year, to recognise and reward deserving Malaysian industry players that have demonstrated leadership in the implementation of sustainable energy practices
in the country and further accelerating growth of Malaysia’s sustainable energy sector. 

For more information on IGEM 2021 or to participate in the conferences mentioned, please visit www.igem.my.

About Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC)
Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC) is an agency of the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) mandated to drive the country in the scope of Green Growth, Green Technology and Lifestyle as well as promote Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) on Climate Action towards a low carbon and sustainable development pathway. Three national policies, in particular, the National Green Technology Policy (NGTP), the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) and the Green Technology Master Plan (GTMP), provide overall direction in driving MGTC's role as a catalyst for green economic growth.
 
MGTC's initiatives and programs focus on supporting Malaysia’s NDC, increasing GDP, from green technology by RM 100 billion and generating 230,000 green job opportunities.

Source: Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Zaid Karim Shaari
Director of Green Promotion Division
Tel: +60 12-297 7625
Email: zaid@mgtc.gov.my 

--BERNAMA