SMEs in M’sia to benefit from sustainability, circular production training

KUALA LUMPUR – The International Trade Centre (ITC) is organising two workshops in Kuala Lumpur from June 20 to 23 to provide training on voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) and resource efficiency and circular production (RECP). 

These workshops, funded by the European Union through the ARISE Plus Malaysia project, aim to enhance the capabilities of Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in optimising resource utilisation and adopting sustainable production practices.

The project’s coaching programme on RECP targets to equip Malaysian SMEs with the necessary knowledge and skills to optimise resource utilisation, improve management practices, and identify circular production opportunities. 

In a statement, ITC contends that by implementing these practices, companies can achieve cost savings, increased productivity, and see a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over time.
It further explained that compliance with VSS also ensures adherence to regulatory and standards requirements. 

The training aims to provide experts and consultants with a comprehensive understanding of the benefits that arise from VSS compliance, enabling them to serve as coaches for VSS implementation.

“Companies will also be familiarised with ITC’s methodology to support them in compliance with mandatory criteria in sustainability standards and conducting gap assessment and break-even point analysis.

“Participants will be granted a certificate of completion on (the) ITC Sustainability Standard Expert Approach, after the completion of the training,” the statement said. 

The ARISE Plus Malaysia project, jointly implemented by ITC and the federal government in collaboration with the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry, aims to support sustainable trade growth in the country. 

Launched on February 1, 2022, the three-year project is funded by the EU.

It forms part of the broader ARISE Plus regional programme, which aims to promote greater connectivity and economic integration within the Asean region through various regional thematic projects and national initiatives.

The workshops in Kuala Lumpur are expected to contribute to the project’s overall objective of enhancing sustainability practices and improving resource efficiency in Malaysia’s business landscape. – The Vibes, June 17, 2023