THE Penang government through the Penang Green Council (PGC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Penang (FMM Penang) as part of its efforts in driving a green economy in the state.
PGC general manager Josephine Tan said starting this year, PGC has embarked on a project in the green industry, titled ‘Circular Economy and Industry Programme (CEIP): Platform for Partnerships and Capacity Development’.
“The MoU signing today is part of the project that will focus on fostering the creation of a circular economy in the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) sector, which is a significant contributor to the state’s manufacturing industry.
“PGC aims to drive sustainability within the manufacturing industry, mainly the E&E sector, by increasing understanding of the circular economy and supporting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, both of which are growing trends in the investment community.
“So, by introducing this project and with the MoU signing today, we are aiming to better prepare our industry players for the green transition,” Tan said during her speech at the MoU signing ceremony in Komtar today.
Tan added that with FMM Penang on board, they could begin to discuss the best way forward to achieve Penang2030 goals and targets in the green economy.
On top of that, she believed that through the partnership or supporting programme, much could be learned from and also gained by the industry players.
She said by sharing their success stories, they can also motivate and inspire more businesses to become more sustainable.
PGC was represented by Tan and FMM Penang was represented by its chairman Datuk Lee Teong Li at the MoU signing, which was witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Tan said the CEIP project consists of three main parts.
“First, we will be setting up a platform for collaboration, and that means gathering all key stakeholders such as government agencies, industrial associations, individual companies, non-profit organisations and international partners.
“Next, we will be facilitating partnerships between multinational corporations (MNCs), and large local companies (LLCs) with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to run circular economy pilot projects, which will then be documented as case studies.
“We will also be creating supporting programmes to build capacity within businesses, businesses consultant firms and civil servants via ESG workshops and sustainability training courses.
“These strategies are very much in line with the Penang Green Agenda (PGA) 2030, which places great emphasis on the circular economy,” she added.
Lee said FMM Penang was happy to establish a cross-sectoral collaboration with PGC to create a new milestone for both the state and the private partnership initiatives.
He added that climate change and environmental degradation are challenges that they are all facing today.
“Through this MoU, we will share our best practices and experiences and also encourage the participation of our members in circular economy pilot projects.
“FMM Penang has more than 500 members and through this MoU, we hope we can bring on more educational awareness and commitment to them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow said the state government was very pleased to have FMM Penang on board to support the state in driving a green economy in Penang.
He commended FMM Penang for the role and undertaking to encourage its stakeholders to be involved in the green industry while strengthening the key actors along the entire value chain.
“The MoU signing today is our next move towards a more sustainable and productive industry. It is also to transform Penang into a green industrial hub.
“Hence, I am confident that the FMM Penang will be an effective strategic partner to bridge PGC with the private sector for the state to reap the benefits of the circular economy.
“I also hope that the signing of this MoU will be the beginning of greater achievements in Penang,” he said.
Also present during the MoU signing ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh and state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting