U.S.-Malaysia Clean Tech Forum 2023
On 17 March, AMCHAM together with the U.S. Commercial Service Malaysia, Clean Edge Asia and the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur in partnership with ExxonMobil held the U.S. – Malaysia Clean Tech Forum 2023. Under the theme of “Shared Pathways to a Clean Economy”, this forum served as a platform for U.S. and Malaysian businesses, government, and organizations to explore how the new technologies, existing initiatives, and policies can have in supporting a cleaner and greener economy for everyone.
We were delighted to have with us YB Tuan Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC), who made time from his busy schedule to deliver his keynote address, speaking about the initiatives from the Malaysian government towards transitioning the nation towards a greener economy.
The first panel discussion of the day was moderated by Siobhan Das, CEO of AMCHAM and the panelists were Jye Yng Voon, Senior Partner, ERM Sustainability Consultancy; Datin Seri Sunita Rajakumar, Chairperson, Climate Governance Malaysia; John Ahn, U.S. EXIM, Senior Business Development Representative; Sudhir Bhassu, Senior Director, Strategic Operations -Sustainability, Western Digital; and Jeffrey Ng, Head of Malaysian Research and Strategy, JP Morgan. This session set the stage for the subject of the day as each of the guest speakers shared their organization’s respective initiatives they had put into place, the challenges faced and the lessons learnt in achieving the shared goal of transitioning towards a more sustainable business.
Following the first panel session, attendees were divided into two breakout sessions – Carbon Management and Clean Energy Transition where they proceeded to take a deep dive into immediate and future pathways that would enable them in these two areas.
The discussion on Carbon Management looked into the technological side of tracking, managing, and promoting reduced GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions and featured Yeong Chuan “YC” Lim, President Malaysia & Singapore, Honeywell; Priya Prasad, Attorney-Advisor, CLDP; Justin Oettimer, Asia Pacific Business Development Vice President, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions. Victoria Yue, Sr. Int’l Trade Specialist, Climate Mitigation at U.S. International Trade Administration, served as the moderator.
The Clean Energy Transition panel discussion provided perspectives on solutions for the generation and integration of clean energy resources. This session was moderated by Christian Herman, International Trade Specialist: Renewables, U.S. International Trade Administration and featured Tanvi Madhusudanan, USTDA, Country Manager Indo-Pacific Region; Krishnakumar PG (KK), Regional Director for Gas Power, GE; Dato’ P’ng Soo Hong, VP & Managing Director of First Solar Malaysia; and Ir. Dr. Mohd Fadzil Mohd Siam, Head – Strategy & Sustainability, Tenaga Nasional Berhad; and Dr. Chan Zhe Phak, Head Facilities, CCS, Upstream, PETRONAS.
Special thanks to all our guest speakers and panelists for making this forum a success and we hope all who attended had a lot to take away and put into action.
