CYBEYJAYA: Four companies under the Sumitomo Group in Malaysia, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Malaysia Berhad, Sumitomo Corporation Malaysia, SMFL Leasing (Malaysia), and MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) in collaboration with Leave a Nest Malaysia, successfully hosted the Sumitomo Group Forum 2026.
The forum - Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future, themed “Tiny Plastic, Big Problem,” at the Centre of Garage Malaysia in Cyberjaya.
This forum marked a renewed corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment by the Sumitomo Group to strengthen the integration of STEM education as a core pillar of its CSR initiatives in Malaysia.
The programme engaged award-winning student teams from Science Castle Asia 2025—an international research conference that brings together young scientists across Asia—supported through Sumitomo Group’s partnership in the conference.
Representing Maktab Tentera Diraja, Sekolah Menengah Sains Seri Puteri, and Tzu Chi International School Kuala Lumpur, these students joined educators, scientists, corporate leaders, and sustainability-driven startups to explore actionable solutions to plastic pollution, river contamination, and ocean debris through science, technology, and youth-led innovation.
The forum reaffirmed a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers while addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time—plastic pollution, often overlooked in its smallest forms yet posing a major threat to ecosystems, food security, and human health.
The programme commenced with welcoming and opening remarks from representatives of Leave a Nest Malaysia and the Sumitomo Group, followed by a keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Rashidi Abdull Manap from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The keynote provided scientific insights into microplastic pollution and emphasized the urgent need for interdisciplinary solutions.
Participants were then introduced to a Science Workshop, led by Dr. Dania Qarrina of Leave a Nest Malaysia. This hands-on session enabled students to engage directly with real-world environmental challenges, applying scientific thinking and creativity to develop potential solutions related to plastic waste management and water sustainability.
In the afternoon, the forum featured startup Insight sessions showcasing innovators actively addressing environmental and sustainability challenges:
* Amu Inc. (Japan), sharing advancements in sustainable materials and nature-inspired manufacturing
* NuPlas Solutions, presenting innovations in plastic recycling and circular economy approaches
* Ichthion Ltd. (United Kingdom), highlighting technology-driven solutions to intercept plastic waste from rivers before it reaches the ocean
These sessions provided students with exposure to real industry challenges, entrepreneurial thinking, and potential career pathways in science-based sustainability fields.
The Sumitomo Group Forum 2026 reflects the Group’s long-standing philosophy of contributing to society through responsible business practices and environmental stewardship, while reinforcing Leave a Nest’s mission to bridge education, science, and industry.
By empowering youth with knowledge, tools, and real-world perspectives, the forum aims to inspire sustained action toward cleaner rivers, healthier oceans, and a more sustainable future.
About the Sumitomo Group Companies
The Sumitomo Group is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected business groups, with a history spanning over 400 years. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, and contribution to society, its member companies continue to drive sustainable growth across industries worldwide. The establishment is also united in its mission to support social and environmental advancement through education, innovation, and collaboration.
