BY FATIHAH MANAF

As an ideal platform to showcase green technologies and sustainable innovations , the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia ( IGEM ) will return as a physical event in 2022 from Oct 12-14 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre ( KLCC ).

The event is organised by the Ministry of Environment and Water ( KASA ) and co-organised by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre ( MGTC ).

IGEM 2022 will exhibit a more extensive scope beyond green tech and eco products by incorporating sustainability and environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) movement represented by 300 exhibition booths from 30 countries .

The three-day event will feature three components - exhibition , conference and business matching & networking . Aligned with Malaysia ’ s aspiration to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 , IGEM 2022 brings the theme “ Race Toward Net Zero : Fulfilling SDG and ESG commitments ”.

According to KASA Minister Dato ’ Sri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man , the government must evaluate Malaysia ’ s

capability and readiness to achieve the carbon neutrality target . He revealed that KASA had appointed consultants to identify the strategies and resources required by the country to reach the target as early as 2050 . Tuan Ibrahim also emphasised the importance of sustainable development goals ( SDGs ) in achieving the goal .

“ Among the SDGs included in IGEM 2022 are SDG 9 : Industry , innovation and infrastructure , SDG 11 : Sustainable cities and communities , SDG 12 : Sustainable consumption and production , and SDG 13 : Climate action ,” he said while officiating the pre-launch of IGEM 2022 , on July 22 at the KLCC .

Tuan Ibrahim also congratulated MGTC for successfully organising past IGEM virtually despite the pandemic .

Encouraging cooperation between stakeholders

“ The net zero carbon aspiration fosters strong cooperation between all stakeholders supporting the objective . However , we acknowledge the big challenges that come with it . Without the support from all stakeholders , it would not be possible for us to reach the national target .”

He said the current scenario urged all organisations , companies and financial institutions to fulfil their SDG and ESG commitments . Therefore , these companies and organisations must work with the government to strengthen the efforts to achieve this objective by practising better governance . The practice ensures that social and environmental performance

Dato ’ Sri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man

meets the required levels .

“ Therefore , the theme for IGEM this year also focuses on ESG achievements and commitments from the private sector to limit the global temperature rise so that it can reduce the climate change impacts . The conventional business concept must be innovated to be more environmentally friendly and support the national and global climate agenda .”

Tuan Ibrahim shared that IGEM 2022 would emphasise four main topics : empowering cities , electrical mobility , decarbonising energy and intensifying circular economy . The event is also expected to have 30,000 visitors . He believed that with the support of everyone , IGEM 2022 could achieve its investment target of RM3 billion .

Identifying ESG commitments

Over the years , IGEM has generated close to RM30b in business leads since its initiation in 2010 . Up to this date , IGEM has attracted over 500,000 visitors , including delegates , dignitaries and companies from over 70 countries .

Tuan Ibrahim stated : “ Through their participation in IGEM 2022 , I believe the industry can better understand their ESG needs and identify more business opportunities .

“ The Malaysian Investment

Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor

Development Authority ( MIDA ) will also conduct consultation sessions for those interested in investing in Malaysia . At the same time , the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ) will assist Malaysian companies interested in exporting their products overseas .”

MGTC CEO Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor shared that the organisation wished to continue the successful momentum from last year ’ s virtual IGEM to IGEM 2022 . He said IGEM 2022 would bring a more comprehensive mission . Besides creating business opportunities and encouraging economic growth , the event seeks to fulfil the country ’ s goal of building a better and sustainable future .

“ Around 109 companies have shown interest in participating in IGEM 2022 . IGEM has also received registered sponsors from several renowned companies . Therefore , we hope this pre-launch of IGEM 2022 will attract more sponsors and exhibitors to the event .”

IGEM 2022 will feature 15-20 conference sessions covering topics related to hydrogen , renewable energy , climate change , financing , sustainability , electric vehicles , water , and waste management . It will also include showcasing new technologies , product launchings , delegation visits and industry networking . — @ Green