Malaysia Pavilion’s theme “Energising Sustainability” captures the nation’s commitment and direction for sustainable development which balances socio-economic progress and environmental concerns. In energising sustainability, the three pillars of social, economic and environmental set the direction for progress. Today, Malaysia has adopted a resilient, low-carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive framework to address climate change, sustainability and the environment.

At the international level, Malaysia, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, has declared its Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce its GHG emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030, relative to 2005 levels and for the timeframe of 2021-2030.

At home, Malaysia launched a Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics (2018-2030) on 17 Oct. 2018. Efforts are also made to encourage a low carbon, sustainable way of doing business. This includes application of energy efficiency technologies, cutting-edge technologies and innovations, renewable energy, low carbon power generation technologies, cleaner fuel, green buildings and certifications, and clean and efficient waste and water management.

To strengthen the ecosystem, Malaysia made a notable achievement with the world’s first green sukuk (Islamic bond) launched in June 2017. The green sukuk aims to finance sustainable, climate-resilient growth in countries as a new and innovative green financial product that can be used worldwide.

The central bank of Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia, is also working on introducing a green taxonomy “to facilitate financial institutions in identifying and classifying economic activities that could contribute to climate change objectives”. It will reportedly be the third such categorisation system globally. Malaysia Pavilion aims to demonstrate how Malaysia as a small country can provide leadership in various sectors and develop innovative, forward-thinking approaches in “Energising Sustainability”.