SHAH ALAM – The Southeast Asia Climate Investment Summit 2024, hosted by Universiti Putra Malaysia's (UPM) School of Business and Economics (SPE) aimed to highlight the critical role of climate investment in the national economy.
According to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the conference provided a platform for the younger generation to express their perspectives on global climate change.
He noted that this issue poses significant challenges for businesses striving to operate sustainably.
"This also offers leadership opportunities for youth to address climate change, which is now a crisis for the current generation.
"It is a chance to learn the latest skills and produce experts in this field,” he said.
UPM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah emphasised that the inaugural conference will directly influence and establish a new standard for advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship in pursuit of economic sustainability goals.
"This is also a pioneering initiative to unite academics and industry players in the field of climate investment.
"The university consistently integrates these principles to foster initiatives that reduce environmental impact,” he said.
Programme director Muhd Farhan Abdul Rahman explained that the conference aims to enhance awareness regarding climate investment and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.
"The nation is now aware of the importance of climate change on the business landscape, which creates new career opportunities, especially for graduates, as it becomes necessary in every market today,” he said.
The conference saw the participation of 300 students from various public universities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and South Korea.