Feb 22 –  The International Greentech and Eco Products Conference and Exhibition Malaysia (IGEM) 2021, held virtually from July 1 to Dec 31 last year, has successfully generated RM4.6 billion in potential investments, said Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

The business ventures raked in during the exhibition comprised sectors which are deemed “supportive of the sustainable economic agenda” such as electric vehicles, hydrogen and those involving low-carbon cities.

“These sectors are seen to support the sustainable economic agenda, create employment opportunities and bring about benefits to the community,” he said at the announcement of IGEM 2021 achievements on Tuesday (Feb 22).

The text of his speech was delivered by his deputy Datuk Mansor Othman.

IGEM is an annual trade event for green technology and eco-solutions organised by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), an agency under the Environment and Water Ministry.

Since its inception 12 years ago, it has generated RM30 billion in business leads, showcased more than 3,700 exhibition booths, and attracted over 500,000 visitors from more than 70 countries.

Tuan Ibrahim said IGEM 2021 recorded more than 15,000 visitors comprising representatives of companies, micro, small and medium enterprises, government agencies, academic, and the general public despite it being an online event.

The event also featured 195 virtual booths which displayed a variety of innovative green technology products and services, and organised 144 conferences attended by 8,496 delegates, he said.

Conference topics pertaining to the International Hydrogen Economy and Strategic Lab Forum; Food Waste Management; Solutions from the Netherlands and Innovative Rainwater Harvesting, and a round table session on Advancing Innovation in Green Technology and Circular Economy in Malaysia, attracted many delegates, he said.

The circular economy refers to using sustainable and environment-friendly means to build an economy.

Meanwhile, MGTC chief executive officer Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor said IGEM 2022 would be a hybrid event with the virtual edition starting a month before the physical session, which will be held starting Oct 12 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

IGEM 2022 targets to generate RM3 billion in potential business, with over 30,000 visitors, he said.

“With the success of IGEM 2021, this year’s event is expected to open up new opportunities for a broader use of green technology in post-Covid-19 economic recovery. Climate change mitigation efforts and launch of technology and strategies related to climate change to build a brighter future would also be accelerated,” he said.

Source : The Edge Markets