KUCHING: The state government’s aim to position Sarawak at the forefront of climate change mitigation is taking a positive step forward with the upcoming Asia Carbon Conference 2023 (ACC2023).
The first industry leadership conference for carbon offsetting and trading in Asia is set to take place on March 15 to 16 at Pullman Hotel here.
The conference is organised by Argus Media in collaboration with the state government, with host sponsor Samling Group and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS).
Described as ideal for industry newcomers to market leaders, the ACC2023 provides attendees the opportunity to interact, learn, and network with experts on carbon offsets.
Beyond a traditional conference, the conference also connects industry players, industry experts as well as private-and-public partners and expounds the important need to engage and collaborate to contribute to the carbon market.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the conference is also in line with the state government’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions and drive a green energy.
He pointed out that in fact, Sarawak is the first state in Malaysia to enact legalisation permitting carbon and nature venture businesses which demonstrates the state’s efforts to be at the forefront of climate change mitigation.
“It will be useful to learn insights from leading experts on the future direction of the Asian carbon markets and the impact on the global carbon market. It is hoped that the ideas and best practices shared at this conference may be adapted for Sarawak,” he said in a press statement yesterday.
Meanwhile, chief executive officer of Samling Timber Sdn Bhd Lawrence Chia said Samling Timber fully supports the state government’s foresight and commitment to reduce the effects of carbon emission.
He said this also includes to facilitate the conservation and perseveration of forest while developing new revenue streams through carbon trading, carbon storage, and renewable energy.
“As a key player in the timber industry, we believe we have the responsibility to drive conversations and inspire action. ACC2023 provides an ideal platform, bringing together international and local stakeholders under one roof.
“The severity of the climate emergency requires us to deploy every high-quality tool at our disposal. Within the timber industry, the depleting supply of natural timber means that we now have to place priority on conservation and preservation and move towards more sustainable sources of revenue.
“We believe carbon credit financing holds the potential for timber companies and other industries to transform their operations and drive a sustainable source of revenue. Driven by the increased demand from industries and companies looking to offset carbon emissions, this conference looks to provide insights into the growth of the carbon markets and ensure this growth is responsibly managed in pursuit of net-zero goals,” he said.
The two-day conference which will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will feature global subject matter experts from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore who will share insights on the regulatory framework on carbon markets as well as the future of the Asia Pacific carbon market.
Carbon project lead of Samling Group Francois Blignaut will be a speaker at a session entitled “A case-study: unpacking the process of developing and launching a nature based VCO project in Asia”.
To register for Asia Carbon Conference 2023 or for more information, visit the conference website.
