Sustainable Action Conference 2025 set to accelerate Malaysia’s sustainability journey

The Sustainable Action Conference 2025 (SAC 3.0) wrapped up with resounding success at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, setting a new benchmark for sustainability dialogue in the region. The one-day event drew an impressive crowd for over 550 participants from 15 countries — 330 in person and 223 online — all united by a single purpose: to turn sustainable ambition into tangible action.

Co-organised by Control Union Malaysia and the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC), with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, SAC 2025 carried the bold theme “The Future is Now: Accelerating Sustainable Transformation.” The conference served as a vibrant meeting point for leaders, innovators, and changemakers determined to push Malaysia’s sustainability journey into its next chapter. Sustainable Action Conference 2025 (SAC 3.0) were proudly sponsored by Control Union, UOB Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Signify Inc., Samling Timber, Corsair Group International, Carbon Space, Grand Hyatt, Saxon Renewables and Natureloop, the event turned Kuala Lumpur into a powerhouse of ideas — where policy met innovation, business met purpose, and every conversation sparked a call to action.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Nor Yahati binti Awang, Deputy Secretary General (Environmental Sustainability), on behalf of YB. Datuk Seri Johari Bin Abdul Ghani, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. She was joined by H.E. Jacques Werner, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to Malaysia, who delivered the introductory remarks emphasizing international cooperation as key to driving sustainability at scale.

In a symbolic and energising moment, the conference was officially launched through a Pedal Bike Opening Ceremony, where distinguished guests — H.E. Jacques Werner, Mr. Supun Nigamuni (Managing Director of Control Union), and Mr. Marco Winter (Executive Director of Malaysian Dutch Business Council), supported by YBhg. Datuk Nor Yahati binti Awang and Mr. Dirk Teichret (Managing Director of Control Union Asia Holding) — powered up the event by cycling together to light up the SAC2025 stage. The act reflected the spirit of SAC itself: collective energy, movement, and real-world action toward a sustainable future.

Prior to the thematic sessions, the conference spotlighted the “From Children to Children” initiative — a heartfelt programme held with the knowledge of Selangor State Education Department, aimed at nurturing youth-led sustainability. The Grand Finalists from SMK Hulu Kelang, SK Sungai Limau, and SK Pandamaran Jaya showcased their creative projects that demonstrated how the next generation is already taking bold steps towards change.

In an inspiring highlight, SK Pandamaran Jaya was crowned the grand winner of this initiative, earning a grand prize of RM20,000 for their innovative and community-driven sustainability project. The schools garnered a total of 2936 votes, in which SK Pandamaran Jaya secured its victory. All three finalist schools received RM10,000 each to further develop and expand their sustainability projects within their own communities, while SK Pandamaran Jaya, as the grand winner, was awarded an additional RM20,000 to extend their project’s impact to benefit other children and underprivileged communities. Their achievement captured the true spirit of the conference — a powerful reminder that children are not just tomorrow’s leaders, but today’s changemakers, proving that leadership in sustainability begins with education, empathy, and action.

Throughout the day, the panels explored Malaysia’s evolving sustainability landscape — examining the policies, innovations, and partnerships that are driving the nation’s transition toward a low-carbon and inclusive economy. Dialogue sessions unpacked practical strategies to decarbonise industries, focusing on emission reduction across the energy, manufacturing, and transport sectors in alignment with Malaysia’s national climate goals and the global net-zero agenda.

The conference also spotlighted responsible business and social compliance, reinforcing ethical sourcing, fair labour, and transparent supply chains as essential foundations for sustainable growth. Attention then turned to the shift toward circular and regenerative economies, where participants examined how resource efficiency, sustainable design, and waste valorisation can create value while restoring ecosystems. The discussions concluded with an exploration of digitalisation and innovation, highlighting how emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and data-driven systems are transforming ESG reporting, boosting operational efficiency, and accelerating sustainability impact across industries.

A major highlight of the day was the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) Pledge Signage Ceremony, where leading organisations made voluntary and tangible commitments to waste reduction and responsible resource management. This initiative directly supports the acceleration of Malaysia’s Circular Economy strategies, particularly the ambitions outlined in the Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste 2025–2035, which aims to create a nation built on resource efficiency and waste valorisation.

The ceremony featured SAC’s ecosystem partners — Cypark Resources Berhad, Heng Hiap Industries Sdn Bhd, Quinterra PLT, and Weng Meng Greentech Sdn Bhd — who play pivotal roles across the waste value chain, from collection and recycling to resource recovery. The pledge was made by ADA Biotech Sdn Bhd, CKY Recycle Plastic Sdn Bhd, Dragonpak Industries (M) Sdn Bhd, Entomal Biotech Sdn Bhd, Greenmate Sdn Bhd, Intco Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Kilang Isi Sawit Sin Huat Hin Sdn Bhd, Lean Giap Group, Weng Meng Industries Sdn Bhd, and Control Union Malaysia Sdn Bhd — recognised as frontrunners in advancing Malaysia’s circular economy. As a symbolic gesture, each participant received sunglasses made from ocean-bound plastic, a creative reminder that sustainability begins with conscious choices.

Adding a dynamic edge to the event, the MISA Pitching Sessions, hosted by the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC), showcased Malaysian companies competing across three categories — Governance, Environment, and Social Impact. The Audience Choice Award allowed attendees to cast live votes for their favourite sustainability pitches, turning the audience into active contributors to Malaysia’s sustainability journey. Winners under the ESG categories were Signify Inc. for Best Sustainable Innovation with Responsible Technology (Environment), Celcom Digi for Best Community Impact (Social), and Heineken Malaysia for Best People Development (Governance). The Audience Choice Award went to Terberg Tractors Malaysia, whose impactful presentation captured the crowd’s vote and exemplified how innovation and engagement can drive Malaysia’s sustainability transformation.

For more photos for the event, please visit SAC 2025 Photo

For more information on SAC 2025, please visit www.sustainableactionconference.com or contact the SAC Secretariat at +603-3000 4132 / +6014-660 8225 or email dumasuten@controlunion.com