ADOPTING the theme ‘AI for Sustainability’, the Penang Green Summit 2026 aims to showcase practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that deliver measurable ESG outcomes, while demonstrating how technology can improve efficiency in energy, waste management, mobility, water systems, and climate action.
Organised by the state, through the Penang Green Council (PGC), the summit will be held at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) on Nov 12 and 13.
State Executive Councillor for Housing and Environment, Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, said AI is no longer an emerging technology but a transformative force that can accelerate sustainable development, strengthen governance, and unlock new opportunities for the economy and communities.
“The world has advanced so rapidly that tasks once requiring 100 people a month can now be completed by a machine within hours using AI,” he said.
“AI will play a significant role in enhancing Penang’s economic competitiveness, driving digital transformation, and fostering innovation-led growth. More importantly, it offers practical solutions to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time,” Sundarajoo said at a press conference today at Komtar while announcing the summit.
He noted that with Penang’s industrial sector contributing nearly 50% of the state’s GDP, the state is uniquely positioned to lead the integration of AI into sustainable industrial practices.
Sundarajoo highlighted that the summit will explore how AI can support better city planning, cleaner transportation, waste management, and more responsive governance.
“Equally important, we are committed to engaging youth and communities, ensuring the next generation is equipped with the digital skills and sustainability mindset needed to shape our collective future,” he said.
He also mentioned that he would meet plastic manufacturers later to discuss the state’s plan to enforce a full ban on single-use plastic bags from Sept 1, except for hawkers and wet market traders. Penang, which is introducing biodegradable plastics as replacement materials, will be the first state in the country to implement such a ban on eight categories: hypermarkets, supermarkets, departmental stores, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, petrol station convenience stores, chain stores, pharmacies and clinics.
He also highlighted PGC’s vision to ‘Be the Best and Lead the Rest’.
Sundarajoo encouraged industry players, government agencies, academic institutions, startups and strategic partners to participate in the summit, welcoming sponsors and exhibitors.
Organising chairperson Tan Soo Siang said the Penang Green Summit has evolved beyond an annual event to become a platform connecting ideas with action, policies with implementation, and innovation with impact.
The Penang Island City Council councillor noted that last year’s summit engaged more than 450,000 people through digital outreach and on-site participation, featured 46 exhibition booths, and hosted over 200 conference participants.
“Around the world, AI is being applied to improve productivity, optimise energy consumption, strengthen predictive maintenance, reduce waste, analyse operational performance and support smarter decision-making.
“We see AI increasingly supporting sustainability efforts, from smarter buildings and urban planning to energy management systems, carbon tracking and resource optimisation. The opportunities are significant,” said Tan, who is also a PCG director and MBPP councillor.
“However, the key question is not whether we should adopt AI because it is trending, but how we can apply it responsibly to solve real-world sustainability challenges.”
Also present at the press conference were PGC chief executive officer Josephine Tan, MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong, Seberang Perai City Council representative Mohd Naim Md Ali, MBSP councillor V. Ponnudurai, PGC directors Datuk Dr Lawrence Lim Hua Kwang, Baylon Tham Wai Leong and Rose Kuan, PCG assistant general manager Hoo Huey Ching and Penang Green Summit commander Carmen Wong.
For more about the Penang Green Summit, contact the PGS 2026 Secretariat at [email protected] / [email protected] or Tel: +604-2503321 / 3322, Website: www.pggreensummit.com.my and Facebook: www.facebook.com/pgsummit2026.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian