PENANG is positioning itself for the future green economy where alternative energy sources, recycling, environmental social governance (ESG) and conservation would dominate the landscape.
To push ahead with its green agenda, the state will host the Green Summit scheduled for October 31 and November 1 this year.
It is a summit designed to bring together everything associated with green including to showcase the state's no-plastic bag campaign.
It will also be the first major event to be held at the newly opened Penang Waterfront Convention Centre at the IJM's township of The Light near the Penang Bridge.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told a press conference that the theme of "Moving Towards Sustainable Energy," is timely in view of global challenges.
From the US import tariffs, global economic uncertainty and the climate emergency challenge, Penang wants to stay ahead of emerging issues, which would likely take centre stage in the new millennium.
Chow noted that in recent months, the global dialogue on climate and energy has intensified, underscoring the accelerating pace of change, while also clamouring for calls to address green issues.
“This year’s theme reflects the growing recognition the energy transition is no longer a distant ambition. It is now a critical foundation for economic resilience, supply chain security, and a thriving low-carbon future,” Chow said.
The press conference also brought into the forefront main sponsors and supporters of the two-day conference, including the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) and Penang Green Building Association.
Among those scheduled to attend are Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investments (MITI) Liew Chin Tong and former Environment Minister Yeoh Bee Hin.
According to Chow, the green agenda is moving from policy on paper to action.
Two key milestones demonstrate this progress: the ‘Penang Green Industry Programme (PGIP)’ and the ‘No Plastic Bag Every Day Campaign’.
The Penang Green Council, the organiser of the summit, will also launch the Climate Mitigation Fund to guide small medium enterprises (SMEs) on how to cope with the challenges and importantly how to manage the expectations of the ESG.
“Developed in partnership with a local banking institution and anchored in a blended finance model, the scheme offers preferential financing and capacity-building to support SMEs in decarbonising their operations and aligning with global sustainability standards.
"This initiative represents not only an environmental commitment but also a strategic economic move to future-proof Penang’s manufacturing ecosystem and attract high-quality, sustainable investments,” Chow said.
Penang will also showcase that it no longer allows plastic bags daily at commercial enterprises which was fully enforced since September 1.
It reflects the state government’s strong commitment to reducing single-use plastics and setting a benchmark for other states in Malaysia.
The summit will feature panel discussions focused on practical, real-world solutions, networking opportunities with decision-makers and innovators, and a showcase of advanced technologies that can immediately benefit business operations.
Council general manager Josephine Tan expressed her gratitude to the co-organisers, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), as well as to strategic partners the Institute of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) and Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) for making the summit a reality.
The event will also feature around 30 exhibitors, each showcasing cutting-edge innovations in renewable energy, green mobility, energy efficiency, and sustainable urban development.
Tan also expressed gratitude to all the sponsors, supporting partners, media partner, publicity partner and hotel partners for their collaboration. - September 18, 2025.
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