Events

MALAYSIA: MUFG Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG), gathered over 100 business leaders, policymakers and industry experts and partners to its MUFG N0W conference in Kuching, Sarawak.   MUFG N0W, or Net Zero World, is the bank’s flagship regional networking and thought leadership platform for marshalling collective responses from the private and public sectors to the challenges and opportunities of Asia’s sustainable development. This year’s session in Kuching follows the success of the inaugural MUFG N0W in Malaysia last March.   Hosted jointly by MUFG’s ESG finance team for APAC and its Malaysian subsidiary, the event was attended by distinguished guests, including Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr.) Abdul Aziz bin Dato Husain, Chairman of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim bin Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). Industry leaders in sustainable energy, finance and technology also joined in lively discussions on advancing green power and future decarbonisation strategies.  Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr.) Abdul Aziz, in his keynote speech, emphasised the agency’s key role in supporting Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050: “In partnership with international collaborators, including Japan, SEDC is leading initiatives in green hydrogen innovation, positioning Sarawak as a frontrunner in sustainable energy.   “SEDC is dedicated to adopting advanced technologies and global partnerships to ensure Sarawak’s future as a leader in clean energy and sustainability,” he added. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim bin Sikh Abdul Majid in his keynote speech, said: “Malaysia’s green transformation is not just an aspiration—it is an imperative. Through our whole-of-nation approach across key stakeholders, our partnership with MUFG, and the commitment of stakeholders like Sarawak SEDC and Sarawak Energy, we are building a sustainable future that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship, while addressing the energy trilemma of affordability, energy security and environmental sustainability.  “MIDA is committed to assist you and we are ready to provide support, from project conceptualisation to implementation. We invite you to engage with us to explore how we can facilitate your green investment journey in Malaysia,” he added. With a longstanding presence in Malaysia spanning close to 70 years, MUFG has actively engaged with corporate clients to understand their sustainability aspirations and collaborate on transactions ranging from green financing and sustainability-linked loans to green trade. MUFG Malaysia was twice awarded Best Sustainable Bank (International) by FinanceAsia in 2023 and 2024. MUFG’s commitment to Sarawak’s growth agenda has also seen it participate in the state’s  budget conference last December. This was the first-ever state budget conference in Malaysia, outlining Sarawak’s latest strategic growth initiatives and policies, with MUFG  actively facilitating discussions on public-private partnerships in unlocking the state’s green opportunities.  Last week, the bank also signed a MoU with AFFIN Bank, majority-owned by Sarawak, pledging to collaborate in areas ranging from Malaysia-Japan business ties and green transformation.  Motohide Okuda, MUFG Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer and Country Head of Malaysia said: “MUFG’s support of Sarawak’s growth ambitions is perfectly aligned with our broader commitment to Malaysia, and we look forward to leveraging our ESG financing expertise and regional network to foster collaborations that bolster Sarawak’s goals for sustainable growth and green innovation. “This latest MUFG N0W is a compelling showcase of how we are well-positioned to connect the best of Japan’s technological capabilities with Malaysia’s abundant green energy resources to unleash exciting, new opportunities to drive further growth.  We are fully aligned with Sarawak’s Sustainability Vision 2030 and will continue to facilitate public-private partnerships to create a more inclusive, brighter future for Japan, Malaysia and Asia.”  

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is set to revolutionise the nation’s trade landscape with the launch of the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT), a cutting-edge virtual platform designed to connect Malaysian businesses with global markets. Slated for 13 March 2025 at the Grand Ballroom, Aras 3, MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, the grand launch will be officiated by YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry (MITI). The initiative, in collaboration with Nazsoft Tech Sdn Bhd, underscores MATRADE’s commitment to empowering local exporters and SMEs with the digital tools needed to compete on a global scale. A New Era of Digital Trade MDT is the first-of-its-kind integrated digital trade platform, seamlessly combining business matching, an e-marketplace, market intelligence, and trade-related solutions. The platform is set to redefine how Malaysian exporters engage with international markets, offering them essential tools to thrive in today’s highly competitive digital economy. MATRADE Chairman, YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “The launch of the MADANI Digital Trade platform marks a crucial milestone in Malaysia’s trade ecosystem. This initiative will provide businesses with unprecedented access to global buyers, enabling them to grow, scale, and thrive in an increasingly digital-driven economy.” Echoing this sentiment, MATRADE CEO, YBhg. Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, emphasized the platform’s role in accelerating digital transformation: “MADANI Digital Trade is more than just a platform; it is a catalyst for change. By leveraging advanced technology, we are equipping Malaysian businesses with the tools to adapt to the evolving global market, reinforcing MATRADE’s commitment to fostering digital trade and international business expansion.” What to Expect at the Launch The launch event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, business executives, exporters, and technology innovators. Attendees will gain valuable insights and firsthand experience with MDT’s capabilities, including: Live Demonstrations: Experience MDT’s innovative features, including an augmented reality showcase that allows international buyers to explore Malaysian businesses virtually. B2B Business Matching: Engage in exclusive business matching sessions through MATRADE’s Premium Buyers and International Sourcing Programmes (INSP). Expert Insights: Learn about trade financing, ESG solutions, IR4.0 advancements, and digital marketing strategies tailored for global expansion. Meet MIVA: Interact with MDT’s AI-powered virtual assistant, MIVA, designed to provide real-time trade assistance 24/7. Key Dialogue Session: Navigating Global Uncertainties Mark your calendar for 13 March 2025 at 11:00 AM and join an exclusive dialogue session titled “Navigating Global Uncertainties: Resilient Trade Strategies for Malaysian Businesses in 2025.” This panel discussion will address evolving global trade dynamics and strategies to enhance Malaysian exports through digital transformation. Moderated by Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat, the distinguished panel includes: Datuk William Ng, National President, Small & Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) Norhizam Abdul Kadir, Executive Director, Kiple Pay Sdn Bhd Hairil Izwar Abdul Rahman, Group Chief Digital & Technology Officer, SME Bank Julian Neo, Executive Director, DHL Express Malaysia A Gateway to Global Markets With its integration of smart trade tools, grants, training resources, and regulatory insights, MDT is set to become the ultimate gateway for Malaysian businesses aiming to expand internationally. This initiative represents a major step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global digital trade ecosystem. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Malaysia’s digital trade revolution. Join the launch event and explore how MDT can propel your business onto the world stage.

The Battery Show Asia (TBSA) & Mobility Tech Asia (MTA)—Asia’s premier platform for advanced battery, energy storage, and EV/HV technologies—will take place at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong, from July 15-17, 2025. A Global Legacy, Now in Asia Building on the success of flagship events in North America (Detroit), Europe (Stuttgart), and India, The Battery Show is expanding into Asia to drive cutting-edge innovation in battery technology and next-generation energy storage solutions. The Battery Show Asia (TBSA) A dedicated platform for advanced battery development, technology breakthroughs, and energy storage solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore the latest innovations shaping the future of energy. Co-Located with Mobility Tech Asia (MTA) A key gathering for breakthrough technologies in EVs, hybrids, charging, hydrogen fuel cells, and key components across passenger and commercial vehicles, e-boats, aircraft, and two-wheelers. Why Attend? Explore Cutting-Edge Technologies: Witness the latest advancements in e-mobility and energy storage systems. Network with Industry Leaders: Meet and collaborate with pioneers and innovators shaping the future of mobility. Seize Business Opportunities: Discover high-value partnerships and investment prospects. Learn from Experts: Attend sessions and panels featuring top industry minds. Event Details Location: AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong Dates: July 15-17, 2025 Website: www.mobilitytech.asia Be Part of the Mobility Revolution Mobility Tech Asia 2025 is more than an event; it’s a movement. As clean energy adoption accelerates, this is your opportunity to be at the forefront of change. Join us and help pave the way for a sustainable, innovative future in mobility.  

KUALA LUMPUR: The Green Cities Investment Forum 2024 (GCIF24) took place from November 26-27 at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, marking a transformative step toward sustainable urban development. Co-organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation (CIMT), ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, and the IMT-GT Joint Business Council, and supported by the Ministry of Economy Malaysia, the GCIF24 introduces the Green City Action Plan (GCAP) as a forward-thinking framework for achieving sustainability. Through collaboration with private enterprises, international organizations, financial institutions, and government-linked companies (GLCs), GCAP embodies innovation, partnership, and measurable outcomes, providing a comprehensive approach to urban challenges. GCAP: A Blueprint for Urban Sustainability GCAP is designed to help cities transition toward sustainability by aligning development with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. It focuses on collaboration among cities, businesses, and communities to address pressing environmental challenges while creating resilient urban spaces. Key benefits of GCAP include: Capacity Building: Providing skills and knowledge for local authorities and businesses to implement sustainable initiatives. Innovative Financial Models: Offering solutions to lower investment barriers and channel resources toward climate-resilient projects. Comprehensive Strategies: Tailoring action plans that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. A Forum for Private Sector Engagement GCIF24 emphasizes the pivotal role of the private sector in sustainable urban transformation. The event offers a platform for businesses to explore investment-ready projects, network with policymakers, and shape resilient, green cities. Through GCAP, private enterprises can contribute to green initiatives, expand markets, and drive meaningful environmental impact. Key Highlights of GCIF24 Participants will gain valuable insights and opportunities through: Showcase Successful GCAP Implementation: Learn from cities that have achieved remarkable economic benefits and operational efficiencies through their Green City Action Plans (GCAPs). These best practices will inspire and guide other cities in their sustainable development journeys. Facilitate Strategic Collaborations: Bring together city stakeholders, government policymakers, private organizations, educational institutions, and financial institutions to explore innovative financing models and investment opportunities for shortlisted GCAP projects. Share Experiences on Green and Smart Cities: Engage in dynamic discussions highlighting real-world examples of green and smart city initiatives, addressing successes, challenges, and opportunities for future growth. What to Expect at GCIF24 GCIF24 features dynamic sessions such as: Plenary Discussions: Insights into the economic and environmental benefits of GCAPs from leading cities. Networking Opportunities: Fostering connections among governments, businesses, and financial institutions. Project Showcases: Highlighting investable initiatives addressing climate challenges.     A Step Toward the Future GCIF24 is not just an event—it’s a pivotal moment in the region’s journey toward a sustainable urban future. By championing the Green City Action Plan, the forum aims to catalyse action, encourage innovation, and foster collaboration across sectors. The outcomes of GCIF24 will set the stage for the upcoming Green Cities Investment Summit 2025, where cities will continue to build on the momentum generated by this forum.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asia School of Business (ASB) had its first annual ASB Research Day 2024 on its cutting-edge research on sustainability across key sectors, including business, energy, and social impact in Malaysia and ASEAN. This marquee event showcased ASB’s three research centers: The Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS), the Center for Technology, Strategy & Sustainability (CTSS), and the ASEAN Research Centre (ARC). It brought together key figures from leading corporations, financial institutions, and human resources professionals, fostering collaboration and dialogue on sustainable practices and innovations shaping the future of ASEAN’s economy. ASB also shared its research magazine on its sustainability work in business, energy sustainability, and social sustainability, offering a valuable resource for policymakers, corporate leaders, and researchers alike. In his opening address, Sanjay Sarma, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Dean of Asia School of Business, stated, “The 2023/2024 edition of sustainability research from ASB offers essential insights for regulators, academics, corporate leaders, and policymakers. This year’s emphasis on sustainability confronts critical global issues like climate change and resource depletion, both key to securing long-term economic and societal stability. Backed by our strategic partnerships and the dedication of our team, this research aims to inform ethical, data-driven decisions for a sustainable future. With the region’s sustainability investment projected to reach $150 billion by 2030, our efforts are more crucial than ever.” In her keynote address, Dr. Melati Nungsari, Deputy Dean of Research at ASB, spoke of the critical role businesses play in advancing sustainability. “From our research on sustainability in business, we’ve learned that any serious effort requires the transformation of all stakeholders”. She underscored the region’s role where “ESG adoption across Southeast Asia has risen significantly, with 78% of companies now integrating some form of ESG criteria into their operations. Employees must be equipped with the right knowledge, skills, and technology to incorporate sustainability into their daily work and embrace the changes necessary for long-term success. Clear leadership, regular updates, and rewarding exemplary behaviors are all crucial steps to this transformation.” The event delved deeper into “Sustainability in Focus: What Does It Really Mean?” with panelists including Dr. Vasagi Ramachandran, Kar Yern Chin, Emir Izat, and Muhilan Ratnam where they explored the different sectors of sustainability, a growing research area at ASB. As sustainability becomes a more pressing global challenge, the panel emphasized the importance of raising awareness and educating the public. ASB’s newly released research magazine, available for pickup and download at https://ebrochure.asb.edu.my/view/16519775/ featured ASB’s work in the following key sections:   Part 1: Sustainability in Business ASB’s research focuses on partnering with various institutions and industries in the realm of business sustainability. ASB has collaborated with the ASEAN-Korea Centre, palm oil smallholder farmers in Johor under the P&G Smallholder Program, and corporate organizations such as PwC Malaysia. ASB’s work focuses on the “social” aspect of ESG, a key area of concern for firms and businesses. While environmental sustainability often receives significant attention from companies, the complexities of the social aspect and employees are frequently overlooked despite their crucial role in achieving overall sustainability. Part 2: Energy Sustainability Energy sustainability addresses the critical challenges of energy security, environmental protection, and social equity. By focusing on sustainable energy practices, The Center for Technology, Strategy & Sustainability (CTSS) at ASB delves into how greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, mitigation policies for climate change, and the preservation of natural resources. Sustainable energy solutions can promote economic development and social well-being by providing access to clean and affordable energy for all, especially in underserved communities. The transition to sustainable energy systems also drives innovation and job creation in new industries, fostering economic resilience and growth. In essence, energy sustainability is crucial for building a more stable, equitable, and healthy future for our planet and its inhabitants. Part 3: Social Sustainability At ASB, social sustainability is closely tied to the ASEAN Research Center (ARC), which conducts research on underprivileged communities to advocate for impactful policies. ARC’s work looked into the hawker community in Malaysia, and palm oil fields to investigate conditions and human rights of the workers. One project under ARC, the Rapid Youth Success Entrepreneurship/Employability (RYSE), conducts both programs and research within Malaysia to empower Malaysian youth with entrepreneurship and employability opportunities.

HANGZHOU:  The 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress · Hangzhou Stage has concluded with great success, uniting over 150 international organizations from 18 countries, nearly 200 global smart city leaders, and more than 70 city delegations. With the theme “Converge! Blooming Our Business in Transition,” the event showcased the latest advancements in smart city technology while promoting cross-border collaboration and innovation. In opening speech, Ugo Valenti, CEO of the Smart City Expo World Congress, emphasized China’s pivotal role in the global smart city ecosystem. “China has demonstrated leadership in leveraging technology to transform cities, offering valuable lessons to urban areas worldwide,” remarked Ugo. The congress aimed to foster a transnational network for smart city cooperation, focusing especially on strengthening connections among Asian cities for sustainable urban growth. It also encouraged collaboration between global governments and enterprises. The event featured more than 40 public activities, including keynote speeches, thematic forums, and exclusive showcases of Asian cities. In addition, nearly 40 closed-door meetings were held to facilitate project collaborations between key stakeholders, exploring new opportunities in smart city development. The Public Exhibition Area was organized into five tracks: Enabling Technologies, Energy and Environment, Urban Logistics and Mobility, New Consumption and Livability, and Public Services and Economy. Over 100 smart city companies, including leading firms such as Huawei, Dahua, and Leyard, demonstrated how cutting-edge technologies can enhance urban environments and provide innovative solutions for future cities. The event also hosted the 2024 Region* & China Smart City Awards (powered by the World Smart City Awards), recognizing excellence in categories such as City, Enterprise, Best Projects (X-SDI), and Leadership. The China Smart City Awards attracted 166 proposals from 45 cities across China, while the Region Awards received 149 proposals from 9 countries, reflecting the diversity and growth of the global smart city ecosystem. Among the winners, Shenzhen, from Guangdong Province, received the China Smart City Awards – “City Award” for its leadership in digital transformation and smart urban governance, which have significantly enhanced its social management and city services. China’s forward-thinking strategies, advanced technologies, and effective urban governance continue to gain international recognition, setting trends and driving the sustainable and intelligent development of cities worldwide.

Hangzhou: The third Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) unveiled its curtain in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on September 25, providing significant opportunities for bolstering the growth of digital trade and injecting strong impetus into the high-quality development of the digital economy. With “Digital Trade, Global Access” as its permanent theme, the 5-day expo strives to establish a global digital trade ecosystem, explore global cooperation, promote global digital trade, and share achievements. Kazakhstan and Thailand are this year’s guest countries of honor. Leading companies from 32 countries and regions participate in the event. International exhibitors account for over 20 percent of both the total number of exhibitors and the total exhibition area. A total of over 6,000 international friends from over 100 countries attend the expo. This year’s GDTE features one comprehensive exhibition area and eight specialized digital industry areas, including Silk Road E-Commerce, Data and Finance, and Artificial Intelligence.In the comprehensive exhibition pavilion, the globally popular game Black Myth: Wukong will collaborate with leading hardware manufacturers to once again bring its legendary story to life.In the AI pavilion, more than 50 intelligent robots will compete side by side.Nearly a quarter of the 400 new products and technologies showcased come from abroad, a significantly higher proportion than last year. In addition, the GDTE will host international industry matchmaking activities like the Silk Road E-commerce Day and African Digital Trade Day to share opportunities and discuss the future of digital trade development with the world. The expo will employ technologies like digital humans and naked-eye 3D to enhance on-site interaction. For the first time, it will host a Debating Championship via Digital Human and an AI Composition Contest to demonstrate application scenarios of cutting-edge digital trade technologies. A series of achievements including the Report on Global Digital Trade Development, the Report on China’s Development of Digital Trade, the Report on China’s Digital Commerce Development and the Silk Road E-Commerce Development Report, will be released during the event to showcase China’s achievements and future prospects on digital commerce. Hosted by the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province and China’s Ministry of Commerce, the GDTE is China’s only national-level international professional exhibition with the theme of digital trade. It acts as an important window that comprehensively displays new technologies, products and ecology of global digital trade, an exchange platform for discussing new standards, issues, and trends of international digital trade, and an open platform for jointly building and sharing new markets, new opportunities, and new development of economic and trade cooperation in the new era.