PENANG is intensifying its efforts for a sustainable development through various initiatives in sectors such as the Electrical and Electronics manufacturing, tourism, building, waste, transport and water.
This was conveyed by Penang Green Council project manager Dr Ng Shin Wei at the ‘Green Society Advancing Through Sustainable Development – A Nordic Perspective’ forum held at the E&O Hotel today.
“Waste has been identified as a very important sector in Penang as we have come up with lots of waste-related initiatives, such as the ‘No Plastic Bag’ campaign.
“We are proud that Penang records the highest percentage in the recycling rate in the whole of Malaysia.
“We also want to have a different perspective on waste and want to facilitate the industrial entrepreneurs to take waste and turn it into something else.
“Penang2030 vision, which was brought forth by the Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, serves as a strong platform to push forward in realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related initiatives,” said Dr Ng, who was also one of the moderators at the forum.
Chow, who attended the forum, said several initiatives were introduced in Penang to combat climate change.
“The Penang Green Connectors, which focus on the development of gardens and facilities (18,000ha land on the island), will provide an urban cooling effect.
“Penang also gives out incentives and is the third highest state with Green Building Index (GBI) certified buildings.
“Not only that, the Penang Green Agenda, which is under the helm of PGC, is currently in its final stage of drafting a blueprint which aims to tackle the future environmental challenges in Penang,” Chow said during his keynote address at the forum.
The representatives from the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland) shared their expertise with regards to green technology such as the solid refined fuel, solar and wind power and biogas and most importantly advocated clean energy.
The forum had two sessions, in which the first session touched on the topic ‘The Shift to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency’. The discussion was moderated by Penang Institute executive director Dr Ooi Kee Beng.
During the second session, the speakers shared their views on ‘Circular Economy for a Sustainable Society’.
The forum was organised by the Nordic embassies and Icelandic Honorary Consulate General in Kuala Lumpur for the first time in Penang.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alvie Cheng