Southeast Asia Climate Investment Summit 2024: A Pioneering Step Toward Sustainable Investment

Southeast Asia Climate Investment Summit 2024: A Pioneering Step Toward Sustainable Investment

The Southeast Asia Climate Investment Summit 2024 (SEACIS 2024) marked a historic milestone as the first of its kind in Malaysia and the region, bringing together industry leaders, government agencies, and aspiring young professionals to discuss sustainable investment and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.

A Landmark Gathering for Climate Action

Held on June 22, 2024, SEACIS 2024 welcomed 300 participants and delegates from across ASEAN countries, including Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Korea. The overwhelming representation of students (99%) showcased the strong interest and commitment of the younger generation toward climate action.

Supported by industry sponsors such as THZ Ehsan Sdn Bhd (Platinum), KCH Hi-Tech Group (Gold), and Macquarie Capital Securities (Silver), the summit was made possible by the collaboration of academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector leaders.

Keynote Addresses: From Commitment to Action

The event opened with insightful speeches from notable figures such as:

  • YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources & Environmental Sustainability, who emphasized the urgency of climate change and Malaysia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030.

  • Prof. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice Chancellor of UPM, who highlighted Malaysia’s role in energy transition and sustainable policies aligned with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

  • YM Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi, CEO of the School of Business and Economics, UPM, who closed the summit by stressing the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and policy-makers to foster long-term sustainability.

Key Discussions and Forums

The summit featured three engaging forums addressing crucial aspects of climate investment and sustainable solutions:

1. Green Investments and Financing in Southeast Asia

    • Experts from CIMB Islamic Bank, Khazanah Nasional, and Gabungan Sukses explored innovative financing solutions such as carbon credits, green Sukuk, and the ASEAN Power Grid Project.
    • Discussions highlighted the need for stronger policies and financing mechanisms to support businesses in transitioning to renewable energy.

2. Sustainable Solutions: From Ideas to Implementations

    • Panelists from The Edge Malaysia, MIDA, Solarvest, and Hong Leong Asset Management provided insights on integrating ESG frameworks within corporate structures.

    • The importance of technology, data analytics, and policy-driven incentives for green investments was emphasized.

3. Weaving a Tapestry of Change: Bridging Academia & Industry

    • Discussions led by Global Peace Foundation Malaysia, TNB, Maybank, and University Malaya focused on fostering collaboration between academic research and industry needs.

    • Sustainable solutions, such as solar electrification in rural communities, showcased the impact of real-world applications driven by scientific research.

ESG Beyond Compliance: A Call to Action

A dedicated session led by FELDA and CIMB examined how companies can move beyond regulatory compliance to embrace ESG principles as a core part of their operations. The session emphasized the need for strategic partnerships between financial institutions, businesses, and academic institutions to develop sustainable investment strategies.

A Vision for the Future

SEACIS 2024 successfully laid the foundation for a long-term dialogue on climate investment and sustainability in Southeast Asia. The summit underscored the need for continuous collaboration, investment, and policy-making to drive meaningful change.

As the region moves forward, initiatives like SEACIS 2024 will play a crucial role in equipping the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to tackle climate challenges. With Malaysia set to chair ASEAN in 2025, the country is well-positioned to champion regional climate action and investment in sustainability.

For a detailed breakdown of the summit's discussions, check out the full SEACIS 2024 Summit Report here.

Stay connected with @sustainableinvestmy on Instagram and LinkedIn for more updates on climate investment and sustainability initiatives!

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