IN a significant step towards advancing Malaysia’s climate agenda and net-zero aspirations, the Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Consortium (NGGC) has been officially established as a national platform to strengthen greenhouse gas management, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) implementation, and climate sustainability initiatives across the country.
The official launch ceremony and presentation of appointment certificates to NGGC council members were held at the Dewan Persidangan Universiti (DPU), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today.
Established under the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) of USM, the event also unveiled the consortium’s strategic direction, governance structure, and implementation roadmap aimed at supporting Malaysia’s transition towards a low-carbon future.
The ceremony was officiated by NGGC patron Datuk Seri Rozali Mohamud.
Operating through a multi-tiered governance framework, NGGC comprises a board of directors, industry advisory panel, technical standards committee, strategic partners, and a dedicated secretariat.
Through its initiatives, the consortium seeks to support Malaysia’s emissions reduction commitments, accelerate ESG adoption, strengthen carbon accounting practices, and contribute towards the nation’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Its key focus areas include capacity building, industry transformation, strategic partnerships, public engagement, and policy advocacy, while also providing scientific and technical guidance to drive sustainable development nationwide.
NGGC chief executive officer Ng Choon Chuan stressed that the consortium was not created to establish another layer of bureaucracy or administration.
“Instead, NGGC serves as a coordinating platform, facilitator, and catalyst to ensure that all efforts addressing greenhouse gas issues in Malaysia move strategically, cohesively, and with high impact,” he said during his speech.
Ng emphasised that NGGC could not succeed in isolation and called for collective ownership from all stakeholders, including government agencies, industries and businesses, financial institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academics, and researchers.
He described the launch as the beginning of a long and challenging journey, but expressed confidence that through collaboration, scientific rigour, and strong commitment, NGGC would play a pivotal role in guiding Malaysia towards a greener, fairer, and more prosperous future.
“I invite all parties to embrace this agenda together. Let us make NGGC a shared national pride in addressing one of the greatest challenges of our time which is a climate change,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rozali commended USM and CGSS for taking the proactive initiative to establish the consortium.
“This demonstrates that the nation’s academic institutions are capable of becoming key drivers of realistic and impactful climate action,” he said.
According to Rozali, the establishment of NGGC is highly relevant in today’s context, describing it as a strategic platform that will help coordinate climate policy implementation and action across ministries and sectors.
He said the consortium would ensure that Malaysia’s climate strategies remain science and evidence-based, while strengthening synergy between academic research and industrial commercialisation, and ensuring that the nation’s energy transition and sustainability agenda remain fair and inclusive for all Malaysians.
Meanwhile, USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said universities today must play a far greater role beyond teaching and research.
“Our duty is to serve as a catalyst for national transformation, to provide the scientific foundation upon which sound policies are built, and to bridge the gap between academic discovery and real-world impact.
“The NGGC, founded by USM and CGSS in April 2025, embodies this very principle,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi