Sweden partners Malaysia to move up country’s green transition efforts

A panel forum held following the launch of Business Sweden’s Pioneer the Possible saw panel speakers address the various initiatives and challenges in the transition to more sustainable business practices. A general consensus was that meeting climate goals should become a joint effort businesses, government as well as the people.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 – Malaysia’s green agenda received a boost recently as it has partnered Sweden – one of the world’s leading advocate and practioner of sustainability – to collaborate in the transition to green practices with focus in the areas of transport, production and urban development.

Towards this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday, March 14, between Business Sweden and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) to serve as the foundation for their shared commitment toward a sustainable future.

Trade Commissioner of Sweden to Malaysia, Emma Broms (second left) and Chief Executive Officer of MGTC, Shamsul Bahar(third right) signing for a MoU between Business Sweden and MGTC to promote collaboration and innovation in Malaysia’s green transition. Looking on is Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Dato Mohamad Razif (far left) and Sweden’s Ambassador to Malaysia Dr. Joachim Bergstrom.

At the same event, Business Sweden also launched a sustainability initiative, Pioneer the Possible, partnered with Swedish companies in Malaysia, the Embassy of Sweden, and MGTC, to provide a platform to promote collaboration and innovation in green transition.

Speaking at the launch, Trade Commissioner of Sweden to Malaysia, Emma Broms said the platform is expected to provide a forum for both Swedish and Malaysian businesses as well as stakeholders to come
together to share knowledge and best practices to accelerate the green transition.

In a press release issued prior to the event, Chief Executive Officer of MGTC, Shamsul Bahar bin Mohd Nor, said: “Internationally, Sweden is known for its significant role in mitigating the impact of climate
change. Living up to one of the goals of the Paris Agreement, we are excited to receive support
from a developed country to elevate our sustainability commitment together.

“Malaysia has set a target to become a carbon-neutral nation as early as 2050 and aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emission intensity of GDP by 45 per cent by 2030. By signing this MoU, we hope to increase the intensity of the progress to achieve these ambitious goals and pursue a greener future.”

Currently, six top Swedish companies are key partners in the program, namely IKEA, Monitor ERP, Volvo Cars, Volvo Trucks, Atlas Copco and Axis Communications.

— WE