Green principles take centre stage

Persada Johor has joined the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei.

Persada Johor International Convention Centre is the first such facility in Malaysia to join the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB).

It is a corporate sustainability initiative that encourages businesses to align with 10 principles in human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Persada Johor general manager David Emir Bareng said joining UNGCMYB showed their commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices and alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We believe that by embedding sustainability principles into our core business practices, we will minimise our environmental footprint and also contribute to the well-being of our community,” he said during a signing ceremony between Persada Johor and UNGCMYB, which was represented by its board director and Johor director Edey Suresh.

Bareng (right) exchanging documents with Cuckoo International sales vice-president Michael Lee.

Also present was Johor tourism, environment, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar.

Edey said by embracing sustainability, Persada Johor can become a catalyst for change, inspiring and influencing the countless individuals and organisations that come together at the convention centre.

Raven Kumar and Edey also witnessed the exchange of collaboration documents between Cuckoo International (M) Sdn Bhd and Kloth Malaysia Sdn Bhd with Persada Johor.

The collaboration with Cuckoo International involves the installation of six water purifiers around the convention centre.

This aims to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles, particularly during large-scale conferences and exhibitions.

The partnership with Kloth Malaysia addresses textile waste by providing opportunities for upcycling and repurposing.

Bareng said Persada Johor had already taken initial steps towards conserving energy and reducing waste.

For example, Restoran Selasih, its onsite restaurant, went straw-free in June to reduce plastic usage.

Bottled water usually provided during meetings and seminars will also be phased out and substituted with water pitchers and glasses as a more sustainable alternative.

“Other initiatives include food waste management, installing chargers to promote electric vehicle usage and adopting energy-efficient lighting.

“We also have plans to implement rainwater harvesting, urban farming and solar power harvesting, all aimed at promoting a greener future,” said Bareng.