How Johor’s Three-Day Summit Charted a Path for Regional Climate Leadership
The Green Legacy Johor Summit 2024 concluded with a bold vision for the future, leaving a lasting impression on its over 700 participants from across the region. Over the course of three days, from 8 to 10 October 2024, the summit brought together industry leaders, government officials, environmental experts, and youth advocates to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges. From promoting renewable energy and green mobility to tackling biodiversity loss and corporate sustainability, Johor’s leadership in climate action was solidified, positioning the state as a hub for green innovation in Southeast Asia.
Summit Day 1 - Johor’s Leadership in Sustainability
The first day of the summit set the tone with its emphasis on Johor’s ambitious sustainability goals. With a strong welcome address by YB Datuk Seri Utama Ir. Hasni bin Mohammad, Chairman of Sustainable Johor, the day underscored Johor’s determination to lead the way in sustainable development. The Iskandar Malaysia Low Carbon Blueprint and Pengerang Green Energy Hub were highlighted as foundational pillars for Johor’s green transformation.
In the opening address, YB Tuan Ling Tian Soon, Johor State Executive Council Member for Health and Environment, highlighted the sentiments of, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Chief Minister of Johor – on the critical role that youth would play in shaping Johor’s sustainability journey. YB YB Tuan Ling Tian Soon emphasized the importance of empowering the younger generation, particularly through education and grassroots initiatives like Skuad Johor Bersih, a youth-led movement driving local environmental conservation efforts.
The Chief Minister’s speech, read by YB Tuan Ling Tian Soon called for strong youth engagement in Johor’s long-term sustainability plans. It underscored Johor’s commitment to supporting young leaders in their climate action initiatives, stating that the state must provide platforms and resources for youth-led solutions. His remarks resonated with attendees, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational collaboration in tackling climate challenges.
One of the standout sessions was led by futurist Patrick Dixon, who captivated the audience with his insights on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize resource management and energy efficiency. His discussion underscored the role AI can play in reducing energy consumption, optimizing city planning, and even addressing intermittent challenges in renewable energy grids.
The focus on corporate responsibility came to the forefront during the panel discussions on business growth through net-zero commitments. Key industry leaders, including Ir. Nirinder Singh Johl of Asia Carbonx Change, spoke on how technology, renewable energy certificates, and green building indices can drive the transition toward a low-carbon economy. The discussions reinforced that businesses must integrate sustainability into their core strategies, not as a compliance measure but as a growth enabler.
Summit Day 2 - Urban Sustainability and Equity
The second day of the summit delved deeper into urban sustainability challenges, particularly around mobility, social equity, and environmental resilience. In her keynote address, Kamisah Mohd Ghazali, Head of Resilient Environment at the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), emphasized the need for sustainable mobility systems to reduce urban emissions and improve quality of life. Her goal of achieving a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 60/40 public-to-private transport ratio by 2045 exemplifies Johor’s ambition to shift away from car dependency toward greener transport alternatives.
Another critical topic was addressed by Tpr. Ts. Norliza Hashim, Chief Executive of Urbanice Malaysia, who tackled the growing issue of gentrification and social equity within Johor’s rapid urban development. As cities grow, it becomes crucial to ensure that modernization efforts do not displace vulnerable communities. Norliza’s session stressed the importance of community-driven urban revitalization projects that involve public participation and equitable growth.
Workshops on Day 2 were a highlight, offering practical solutions for sustainable development. The Carbon Credits Exchange workshop, led by Thirupathi Rao from Petronas, explored the evolving landscape of carbon markets and how businesses can leverage these mechanisms to fund green projects. Similarly, Jens Radchinski from the UNFCCC’s Regional Collaboration Centre for Asia-Pacific led discussions on Article 6 mechanisms, which enable international cooperation in achieving climate goals.
Summit Day 3 - Biodiversity and Corporate Accountability
The final day of the summit focused on biodiversity conservation, circular economy practices, and the urgent need for corporate accountability in sustainability claims. The keynote by Hannah Lyana Lee Abdullah, Head of Strategy and Transformation at CIMA Bhd, underscored the importance of integrating green spaces into urban environments to promote biodiversity. Her discussion on the transformative power of urban green spaces, like Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, resonated with attendees, who were keen to explore similar initiatives for Johor.
The issue of corporate greenwashing—when companies falsely claim to be sustainable—was tackled head-on by Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni Mokhtar from the Malaysian Institute of Integrity. Her keynote exposed the discrepancy between corporate sustainability claims and actual practices, calling for greater transparency and adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks. Dr. Nor Aieni’s emphasis on public-private partnerships as a means to advance Johor’s green goals reinforced the need for collaboration to achieve long-term climate solutions.
Workshops on Day 3 explored the corporate circular economy, emphasizing the need for businesses to move beyond recycling to reducing consumption and designing products for longevity. The session moderated by Amanda Yeo, Event Director at ESG Malaysia critiqued the superficial recycling claims of some companies, pushing for more robust action on reducing waste and promoting true circular economy practices.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
Throughout the three days of the summit, several themes emerged as central to Johor’s sustainability journey—namely, a holistic approach that incorporates technological innovation, youth engagement, and strong partnerships across sectors.
One of the key takeaways from the summit was Johor’s focus on energy transition. The discussions on Day 1 around the Pengerang Green Energy Hub and the importance of grid interconnection highlighted the state’s commitment to renewable energy. Johor’s ambition to become a regional hub for renewable energy, particularly in collaboration with neighboring Singapore, positions it as a leader in Southeast Asia’s energy transition.
The importance of public-private partnerships was underscored across various sessions. From urban planning to biodiversity conservation, it was clear that Johor’s sustainability goals could only be achieved through collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities. Public sector leadership combined with private sector innovation creates the foundation for impactful climate solutions.
Youth engagement also played a significant role in the summit. The empowerment of young people through education and entrepreneurship programs, as discussed on Day 1 and Day 2, was a recurring theme. The Green Legacy Johor Summit recognized that the youth are not just future leaders but are already shaping the state’s sustainability landscape today. Initiatives like Skuad Johor Bersih, which encourages youth involvement in local environmental projects, were highlighted as critical to the state’s long-term climate action.
Looking Ahead - Johor’s Path to Regional Leadership
As the Green Legacy Johor Summit 2024 concluded, the key message was clear: Johor is not just reacting to global climate challenges but is actively shaping solutions that will define the region’s future. The summit’s discussions—spanning renewable energy, urban sustainability, corporate responsibility, and biodiversity conservation—are part of a broader effort to position Johor as a model for other Southeast Asian states to follow.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Fayzul Dato’ Haji Omar, CEO of Sustainable Johor, emphasized the importance of turning discussions into action. He reflected on the collective insights gained over the three days and called for continued collaboration among stakeholders. “Together, we can turn our discussions into reality, building a future that honors our planet and secures our legacy for generations to come,” Mr. Fayzul remarked.
As Johor looks ahead, the path it has charted—marked by innovation, equity, and a steadfast commitment to environmental resilience—positions it as a true leader in Southeast Asia’s sustainability journey.
Conclusion
The Green Legacy Johor Summit 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Johor’s rise as a leader in climate action. The discussions over the three days of the summit set the stage for a future where collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth can coexist. Johor’s ambitious plans for renewable energy, urban resilience, and corporate accountability have resonated not only within Malaysia but also across the region. By fostering public-private partnerships, empowering youth, and embracing technological advances, Johor is carving out a role as a beacon of sustainability in Southeast Asia. The Green Legacy Johor Summit 2024 may have ended, but the work to build a greener, more resilient future has only just begun.
