Speech by YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang cum Chairman of Penang Green Council during the 2nd Press Conference of Penang International Green Conference and Exhibition 2024 on 15th October at KOMTAR:
Salam Sejahtera dan Salam Malaysia Madani.
It is a great pleasure to welcome all of you to the second press conference for the Penang International Green Conference and Exhibition (PGIGCE) 2024. Thank you for joining us today as we continue our journey to promote and advance sustainability through this groundbreaking event.
After months of dedicated preparation, PGIGCE 2024 is finally happening in a month time. Therefore, we are here to officially invite visitors, participants, to join us in what promises to be an extraordinary green event. This year’s theme, “Sustainability Meets Opportunity,” perfectly captures the spirit of the times—where environmental responsibility merges with innovation, economic growth, and new business opportunities.
Penang has long been at the forefront of sustainable development, and PGIGCE 2024 is a proud testament to our unyielding commitment to environmental progress. This year, the event will centre around four pivotal areas: Green Technology, Green Finance, Capacity Building, and Net Zero initiatives. These pillars represent more than just concepts – they are the foundations of future-proof industries and resilient communities. For those seeking insights, solutions, or networking opportunities in the green space, PGIGCE 2024 is where you need to be.
In line with Malaysia’s sustainability goals, Penang remains dedicated to ensuring that local businesses, especially SMEs, are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to transition to more sustainable practices. I am proud to highlight Penang’s proactive stance in this transformation, with the State Government working diligently to foster an ecosystem where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are seamlessly integrated across all sectors.
While some of our SMEs are still at the early stages of ESG adoption, we are already witnessing remarkable progress. A standout initiative has been the ESG Lab Focus Group Discussion, conducted in collaboration with Invest Penang. This initiative aids SMEs in navigating the complexities of ESG reporting, while also aligning with international standards.
It is important to note that green finance and ESG practices are no longer optional; they are essential for the long-term success of any business. For business owners and entrepreneurs, PGIGCE 2024 offers an unparalleled platform to engage with global experts, government leaders, and innovative companies to learn how sustainability can be embedded into business models.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Penang is positioning itself as a beacon of green innovation, not just in Malaysia but across Southeast Asia. Through initiatives like the Green Industry Programme and our No Free Plastic Bag policy, we have demonstrated that meaningful change is possible when governments, businesses, and civil society unite in a common cause.
At PGIGCE 2024, attendees can expect groundbreaking discussions, cutting-edge technologies, and actionable net-zero solutions that are applicable across industries in the region. A key highlight of this year’s event will be capacity building – an essential component for preparing businesses and individuals to thrive in a sustainable future.
Whether you are a business leader, policymaker, academic, or a concerned citizen, PGIGCE 2024 offers something for everyone, including:
1. Interactive panel discussions on the latest green technologies and policies
2. Workshops and seminars on ESG implementation for businesses of all sizes
3. Networking opportunities with global leaders and innovators in the green space; and
4. Showcase of sustainable solutions, from renewable energy to waste management
In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors: Zaneco Sdn Bhd, Engie Services Malaysia, DHL Express, HNG Capital Sdn Bhd, Gamuda Berhad, Chint Malaysia, Bacteria Free Water Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd and Eurasia Express Sdn Bhd. Your support has been instrumental in bringing this event to life. I also extend my deepest appreciation to the organizing team and partners for their tireless dedication in making PGIGCE 2024 a success.
With that, I hereby invite and encourage everyone to join us at PGIGCE 2024 for an inspiring and transformative experience. Together, let us harness the power of collaboration and innovation to lead the way in sustainability and green growth.
I look forward to seeing you all at the SPICE Convention Centre on the 16th and 17th of November for PGIGCE 2024.
Thank you.