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The first week of COP29 saw the Malaysia Pavilion transform into a dynamic space for exchanging ideas on crucial topics such as environmental sustainability, just transitions, climate technology, and circular economy solutions. The pavilion hosted 26 sessions featuring 39 prominent speakers from diverse sectors, drawing nearly 910 attendees eager to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Datuk Dr. Ching Thoo a/l Kim, Secretary General, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), said in a statement, “The climate challengeswe face today require international solidarity and partnership. As we hold the chairmanship of ASEAN next year, we are committed to setting the right precedent in driving transboundary collaboration. We are dedicated to strengthening cooperation across ASEAN, recognising that our environmental challenges are interconnected. We aim to enhance our region’s resilience, support sustainable economic growth, and establish climate-conscious policies that serve the people and economies of all member countries.”
One of the key discussions at the pavilion focused on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a global goal requiring seamless climate financing. Shahril Azuar Jimin, Group Chief Sustainability Officer of Maybank, emphasized that climate adaptation strategies must be tailored to local needs across ASEAN. Moderated by Joel Khaw of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), the session explored adaptation financing and investment opportunities, offering actionable insights to overcome regional financing challenges.
Collaborative efforts were also highlighted, such as the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund and the UK’s CLARE program, which aim to accelerate ASEAN’s shift to a low-carbon economy while addressing vulnerabilities through innovation and improved climate resilience strategies.The Asian Development Bank (ADB), alongside the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action and the Malaysian government, introduced a new report, Climate-Resilient Fiscal Management: Experience from Southeast Asia. This first-of-its-kind report under the ASEAN Climate Finance Policy Platform provides best practices for managing climate-related fiscal risks, mobilizing resources, and fostering dialogue among finance ministries.
The Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Development at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Minister for Women and Equalities in her opening keynote address, mentioned, “With over 680 million lives at risk from the climate and nature crisis, we recognise the shared ambitions of our partners, be it in Malaysia and across ASEAN. Nearly a quarter of our UK-ASEAN Plan of Action focuses on energy, climate, and the environment. To further this, the UK-ASEAN GTF, providing up to £40 million over five years, aims to accelerate the green transition through shared expertise and commitment.”
Malaysia’s commitment to a just energy transition was another key theme. Despite fossil fuels contributing 20% of the nation’s GDP, Malaysia is determined to reduce carbon emissions by 45% relative to GDP, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its approach. Discussions centered on balancing economic growth with sustainable development and ensuring responsible transitions away from fossil fuel reliance.
Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Razak bin Abdul Majib, Chairman of Tenaga Nasional Berhad, expressed his views saying, “Malaysia’s journey towards a sustainable future relies on collaboration, resilience, and innovation. TNB is committed to advancing ESG principles and expanding renewable energy efforts to drive the nation’s energy transition forward aligned with the government’s NETR policy and guidelines.”
Wan Sayuti Wan Hussin, PETRONAS Senior General Manager, Strategy, Policyand Regulation, Corporate Sustainability Division, stated that “The energytransition will be the defining challenge of our time and it has multiple pathways. Weneed to take into consideration the local context and leverage Malaysia’s strengths tounlock opportunities on technology-based solutions (e.g., CCS, hydrogen, biofuels) andnature-based solutions, whilst adhering to the international standards and aligning withthe global climate goals.”
Day five of COP29 highlighted Malaysia’s efforts in advancing a circular economy and promoting sustainable practices in the palm oil industry. Sessions explored job creation through sustainable farming, bioenergy initiatives, and empowering marginalized communities, underscoring the sector’s potential to contribute to global climate solutions.
Belvinder Sron, Chief Executive Officer of The Malaysian Palm Oil Council, commented, “Our presence at COP29 highlights Malaysia’s position as a trailblazer of sustainable palm oil production. Through strategic partnerships and steadfast dedication to responsible practices, we aim to set a global benchmark for environmental stewardship and economic resilience, showing the world that sustainable palm oil can meet both ecological and societal needs.”
Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), said in his speech, “We recognise that the East Asia region, including ASEAN and China, is at the forefront of the world’s most significant transformations towards a green, sustainable, and digital economy. As global pacesetters, it is crucial for ASEAN to drive region-wide initiatives in energy transformation and sustainable land use, including the palm oil industry. Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 is a tremendously important opportunity to lead these efforts, given its strong track record in sustainable development and energy innovation.”
The week concluded with a focus on climate technology and data platforms driving sustainability across ASEAN. Innovations like near-zero emission power systems and the ASEAN Power Grid demonstrated how cross-border energy integration can support decarbonization efforts. These technologies, along with advanced data platforms, are reshaping key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and biodiversity, enabling policy reforms and unlocking renewable energy potential.
The Malaysia Pavilion at COP29, led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), is supported by prominent organizations like Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), PETRONAS, and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council. Their collective efforts underscore Malaysia’s commitment to leading ASEAN’s green transformation.As the discussions continue, the Malaysia Pavilion remains a cornerstone of collaboration, innovation, and action at COP29, driving the region closer to a sustainable and resilient future. |
