AFTER months of dedicated preparations, the Penang International Green Conference and Exhibition (PGIGCE) 2024 is now just a month away, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Set to take place from Nov 16 to 17 at Setia SPICE Convention Centre, this year’s theme, ‘Sustainability Meets Opportunity’, perfectly captures the spirit of our time – where environmental responsibility merges with innovation, economic growth, and new business opportunities.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this year’s event will focus on four pivotal areas, namely Green Technology, Green Finance, Capacity Building, and Net Zero Initiatives.
“These pillars represent more than just concept – they are the foundations of future-proof industries and resilient communities.
“For those seeking insights, solutions, or networking opportunities in the green space, PGIGCE 2024 is where you need to be.
“Penang has long been at the forefront of sustainable development, and PGIGCE 2024 is a proud testament to our unyielding commitment to environmental progress,” Chow said in his speech during a media conference in Komtar today.
This year’s PGIGCE will feature groundbreaking discussions, cutting-edge technologies, and actionable net-zero solutions that are applicable across industries in the region.
Chow also stated that this year’s key highlight will be capacity building, an essential component for preparing businesses and individuals to thrive in a sustainable future.
“Whether you are a business leader, policymaker, academician, or a concerned citizen, PGIGCE 2024 offers something for everyone.
“A list of other happenings includes interactive panel discussions on the latest green technologies and policies, workshops, and seminars focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) implementation for businesses, networking opportunities, and showcase of sustainable solutions.
“With all these initiatives in place, I am confident that PGIGCE 2024 will serve as a catalyst for transformative change – not just for Penang but for the entire region,” he added.
In a related development, Chow noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were making remarkable progress in terms of ESG adoption despite some SMEs being in the early stage of adoption.
“A standout initiative has been the ESG Lab Focus Group Discussion, conducted in collaboration with InvestPenang.
“This initiative aids SMEs in navigating the complexities of ESG reporting, while also aligning with international standards,” Chow added.
He further reiterated Penang’s dedication to ensuring local businesses, especially SMEs, are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to transition to more sustainable practices.
“I am proud to highlight Penang’s proactive stance in this transformation, with the Penang government working diligently to foster an ecosystem where ESG principles are seamlessly integrated across all sectors,” he added.
At the media conference, Chow also extended his gratitude to sponsors of PGIGCE 2024, namely Zaneco Sdn Bhd, ENGIE Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, DHL Express (M) Sdn Bhd, HNG Capital Sdn Bhd, Gamuda Berhad, CHINT Malaysia, Bacteria Free Water Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd, Timeless Green Sdn Bhd, and Eurasia Express Sdn Bhd.
Among others present earlier were state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, PGIGCE 2024 advisor Datuk Lawrence Lim Hua Kwang and its organising chairman Baylon Tham Wai Leong and Penang Green Council (PGC) general manager Josephine Tan.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat