Yeo: IGEM 2019 raked in RM3bil more business leads than targeted

KUALA LUMPUR: A roaring success, the 10th International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2019) gained almost RM6bil in business leads, far surpassing all targets, says the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.

With a total of RM5.985bil in business leads, IGEM 2019 exceeded its target of RM2.8bil, which many initially thought as ambitious given the softening global economic scenario, said its minister Yeo Bee Yin (pic).

"The success could not have been possible without our loyal exhibitors who have returned with dedication year after year, supporting and challenging us to achieve sustainability in definitive and transformative ways.

"I am also proud to announce that an unprecedented 61 organisations have pledged to be a part of IGEM 2020," she said in her post-IGEM 2019 outcome speech on Tuesday (Dec 17).

It was read out on her behalf by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (MGTC) CEO Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor in a joint press conference with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).

Yeo also congratulated the sponsors, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Cypark and UEM Edgenta, along with the ministry's partners and organising team on IGEM 2019, which recorded 376 exhibitors and over 40,000 visitors from 43 countries.

"I would like to specifically thank IGEM's strategic partner, Mida, and business-matching partner, Matrade, for organising the hugely popular business networking and investment sessions to achieve the most important target for the event," she said.

The theme for IGEM 2020 would be Energising Sustainability, as it captures Malaysia's commitment to balance socio-economic progress with the environmental concerns, she announced.

"I have no reservations in admitting that we are setting big targets for IGEM 2020.

"We are targeting RM3.4bil in potential trade or investment value, or partnership agreements and 420 exhibitors and 42,000 visitors from 42 countries," she said.

IGEM 2019 was held from Oct 9 to Oct 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and IGEM 2020 is slated to be held from Oct 7 to Oct 9 at the same venue.

Malaysia's active participation in global events will also fortify its position as the leading country in green initiatives throughout the region, said Yeo, encouraging companies to take advantage of the programmes planned for next year.

Upcoming events such as the Expo 2020 Dubai will function as a global stage for businesses to attract investments, forge agreements and promote international cooperation, she said.

"We will also be showcasing Malaysia by welcoming millions of visitors to our shores as part of Visit Malaysia 2020," she said.

Mida CEO Datuk Azman Mahmud said as of November this year, it has 10 green-related projects in the pipeline with investments of RM76.2mil subsequent to interests expressed at IGEM 2019.

"We expect more applications to be received in 2020.

"This is an indication of the encouraging trend of investments leads in the areas of green technology within the country," he said.

Azman added that Mida, which has been the strategic partner for IGEM since 2010, will continue to engage in it to encourage more investments in green projects and providing the necessary facilitation to stakeholders.