IGEM 2022 expected to generate RM3 billion in business leads - Tuan Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2022 slated to be held physically at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Oct 12 to 14 is expected to lure 30,000 visitors from 30 countries and generate RM3 billion in business leads.

Minister of Environment and Water Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said IGEM 2022, which will be organised by the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) and co-organised by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), will involve experts from various industries, including government representatives, technology leaders, pioneers, academics and entrepreneurs who will share their respective experience.

He said the physical event themed "Race Towards Net Zero: Fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Commitments" is in line with Malaysia's aspiration to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2050.

"I would say by 2050 at the earliest because the government needs to evaluate the country's capability and preparedness to achieve that aspiration.

"Therefore, KASA has appointed a consultant to help identify the strategies and resources needed for the country to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2050 at the earliest," he told after a press conference after the soft-launch of the IGEM 2022 here today.

Tuan Ibrahim said this year's theme also emphasises the aspects of fulfilling the ESG commitment by the private sector to jointly curb global warming and reduce climate change.

In addition, he said the conventional business concept needed some innovations so as to be more environmentally friendly and support the national and global climate change agenda.

He said IGEM 2022 will see presenters comprising Noble Peace Prize winners, economists, as well as industry players, share their thoughts on sustainable development initiatives based on the SDGs and ESG.

The event this year will focus on four main topics, namely empowering cities, electrifying mobility, decarbonising energy and accelerating circularity, in line with the current environmental issues plaguing the country such as urban flooding which was caused by the poorly maintained drainage system.

Tuan Ibrahim said KASA also welcomes the participation and cooperation from all quarters who were keen to learn about the latest development in green technology-related to ensure the success of IGEM 2022.

"The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) will also provide consultation to companies interested in investing in Malaysia, while the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will facilitate local companies interested in exporting their products abroad," he said.

Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim said the previous edition of IGEM, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19, had managed to generate almost RM4.6 billion in business leads despite the various economic challenges faced by the country, thus making the organisers optimistic that the event this year will exceed the existing target value.

On the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27-UNFCCC) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, he said it would take place from Nov 8 to 16 and would focus on aspects of climate change adaptation.

"Malaysia has given its commitment. InsyaAllah, the relevant ministers have also agreed to attend it. At the conference, reports will be presented to see all achievements and plans, and how far each country is fulfilling their commitment to climate change adaptation," he added.

-- BERNAMA