(Seated from left) Penang Green Council board member Baylon Tham Wai Leon, Lim, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Chow, state housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Penang Green Council general manager Josephine Tan and representatives of various agencies and sponsors during the press conference at Komtar. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
THE upcoming Penang International Green Conference and Exhibition (PGIGCE) 2024 on Nov 16 and 17 at Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Bayan Lepas, Penang, will feature 47 exhibitors.
Penang Green Council director Datuk Lawrence Lim Hua Kwang said the event would be a platform for promoting green technologies, sustainable innovations and net-zero solutions.
“We are proud to have companies at the forefront of climate action,” he said during a press conference at Komtar Complex, George Town.
“We are honoured to present local and international speakers who will share their expertise on topics such as green finance, and carbon management.
“Panel discussions and workshops will provide valuable insights and foster meaningful dialogue.”
Lim, who is PGIGCE 2024 advisor, spoke about the conference panel session titled “Way Forward for Penang in Sustainability”.
“This session will focus on the future of sustainability in Penang and explore ways for making the state a leader in green technologies, policy implementation and sustainable urban planning,” he enthused.
The event’s highlight will be the launch of the Penang Energy Framework – the state’s first such framework to move toward greater energy efficiency.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present, said the event’s theme “Sustainability Meets Opportunity” captured the spirit of the times where environmental responsibility merged with innovation and new business opportunities.
“PGIGCE 2024 is 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 are the foundations of future-proof industries and resilient communities,” he said.
In line with Malaysia’s sustainability goals, Chow said Penang remained dedicated to ensuring that local businesses, especially SMEs, were equipped with knowledge and tools to transition to sustainable practices.
“The state has been working diligently to foster an ecosystem where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are integrated across all sectors.
“While some of our SMEs are still in the early stages of ESG adoption, we are already witnessing progress,” he said.
Chow said PGIGCE 2024 would offer entrepreneurs a way to engage with global experts, government leaders and innovative companies to learn how sustainability could be embedded into business models.
“Penang is positioning itself as a beacon of green innovation, not just in Malaysia but across South-East Asia,” he said.
“Through steps like the Green Industry Programme and our No Free Plastic Bag policy, we have shown that change is possible when governments, businesses, and civil society unite.
“At PGIGCE 2024, attendees can expect groundbreaking discussions, cutting-edge technologies and actionable net-zero solutions that are applicable across industries in the region.”
