SETIA SPICE Convention Centre & Arena (Setia SPICE) has marked a significant milestone in its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda by reducing food wastage among convention participants in Penang.
SPICE inked a deal with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and waste operator Al Ansar Integrated Sdn Bhd to launch a strategic sustainability collaboration aimed at transforming accumulated food waste into valuable resources.
SPICE is transforming event food waste into value through a closed-loop system powered by Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) technology, supporting the circular economy, agro - industry and food security.
USM will provide the expertise and technical support, while Al Ansar will collaborate with the centre to segregate the food waste into segments which the Black Soldier Fly can be deployed to reduce the organic food waste.
Chan Ching Hiong, Divisional General Manager SP Setia Bhd, was overjoyed with the prospect of turning waste into value through a collaboration between industry, academia, and enterprise.
"It benefits society," said Chan.
SPICE has been under pressure of late after a load of its senior staffers either retired, took the voluntary separation scheme or relocated to a rival convention product - the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC).
Chan has begun the revival process of a new generation to take SPICE forward after it began as the state's first modern convention centre in 2017.
Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming in Malaysia is a rapidly growing biotechnology industry focused on waste management and sustainable protein production.
The larvae of the bugs consume organic waste, reducing landfill within days.
At SPICE, food waste is segregated and weighed before being sent for processing.
The waste becomes feed for the larvae, which mature within 10 to 14 days and are then used as livestock feed.
Chan said that last year, SPICE generated over 8.4 metric tonnes of food waste from 57 banquet events.
“Food waste does not simply disappear. In landfills globally, food waste contributes 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, contaminates soil and water, and accelerates methane emissions. This reality compelled us to seek practical, scalable solutions, leading us to USM as a scientific and research partner."
To date, SPICE has completed two pilot deliveries using biotechnology. contributing over 319.5 kilograms of food waste.
Moving forward, it aims to establish scheduled collections for all eligible events, ensuring food waste is managed responsibly.
The collaboration is expected to generate valuable research data and practical insights for USM, while supporting Al Ansar Integrated in scaling sustainable feed production for the agro-industry.
Concurrently, it opens pathways for economic opportunities within the agro and waste management sectors, contributing to a resilient and sustainable ecosystem.
This initiative underscores Setia SPICE’s long-standing commitment to ESG.
Beyond this partnership, SPICE continues to expand its sustainability efforts through collaborations such as food waste composting initiatives with local retail malls, said Chan.
USM deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Prof Dr Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya said that the apex - status public institution of higher learning is a leader in sustainable management.
It has emboldened the university to innovate in all aspects of sustainability, including in biotechnology such as USM's pioneering Black Soldier Fly.
USM senior lecturer Dr Hadura Abu Hasan from the USM School of Biological Sciences said that the university has also sealed informal pacts with the Swedish giant retailer - IKEA and Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) on similar initiatives. - April 14, 2026.
