Meeting Malaysia’s sustainability goals will require more than policy — it demands bold collaboration between business, academia, and technology. INTI International University & Colleges is helping lead that charge, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and academics in a high-impact forum to turn sustainability ambitions into practical, measurable action.
The event gathered voices from across sectors to explore how partnerships can accelerate sustainable growth. It positioned INTI not just as a host, but as a catalyst — creating a platform where ideas move beyond discussion to concrete strategies.
(From left) Dr Arasu Raman, Director of Social Impact & ESG Centre, INTI International University; Naomi Yang, Assistant Vice President of Career Services, INTI International University & Colleges; Prof. Dr. Cheah Kok Hoong, Adjunct Professor at INTI International University and President of the SME Association Malaysia; Datin Lorela Chia, President of the Malaysian Association of Sustainability and Supply Chain Innovation; Ts. Dr. Norsaidatul Akmar, Secretary-General of the Sustainability Business Network Association Malaysia; Elina Jani, CEO of Nextgreen Biomass Sdn. Bhd.; and Amir Shariff, Chief Marketing Officer of BCN Smart Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
Opening the forum, Professor Cheah Kok Hoong, Adjunct Professor at INTI International University and President of the SME Association Malaysia, stressed the urgency of integrating sustainability into core business strategies. “Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern; it is a business imperative. To remain competitive, companies must integrate environmental and social responsibility into every decision they make,” he said, calling on SMEs to adopt scalable practices that meet global standards.
A panel discussion moderated by Datin Lorela Chia, President of the Malaysian Association of Sustainability and Supply Chain Innovation, featured Ts. Dr. Norsaidatul Akmar, Secretary-General of the Sustainability Business Network Association Malaysia; Matthias Gelber, Co-Founder of the ESG Innovation Hub; Elina Jani, CEO of Nextgreen Biomass Sdn. Bhd.; and Amir Shariff, Chief Marketing Officer of BCN Smart Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
The panellists on stage, along with Matthias Gelber, Co-Founder of the ESG Innovation Hub, who joined virtually
Panellists discussed innovations in sustainable supply chains, the growing role of technology in tracking environmental performance, and the importance of government-industry partnerships. Dr Norsaidatul noted that SMEs often face financial hurdles in sustainability transitions, but partnerships with academia can bridge the gap through research-driven, cost-effective solutions. Matthias Gelber added that “real change happens when companies see sustainability not as a cost, but as a driver for innovation and long-term profitability.”
Elina Jani turned the focus to the circular economy, stressing the potential of converting agricultural waste into renewable energy. She urged businesses to create value from overlooked resources actively. Amir Shariff highlighted how smart technologies can optimise energy use and reduce waste, making sustainability both measurable and achievable.
Representing INTI, Dr Arasu Raman, Director of the Social Impact & ESG Centre, outlined INTI International University’s RISE (Research, Innovation, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship) initiatives. “RISE reflects our belief that higher education must do more than teach — it must lead the way in addressing environmental and societal challenges. Through RISE, we are equipping students with the skills, values, and networks to create solutions with real impact,” he said.
The forum ended with a call for deeper cooperation between industries and academia. By aligning research capabilities with market needs, INTI and its partners aim to accelerate Malaysia’s transition towards a sustainable and inclusive economy
Participants attending in person at the Tan Yew Sing Auditorium, INTI International College Subang.