The Malaysian Green Technology Corporation – GreenTech Malaysia – aims to be a one-stop focal point for green technology development for Malaysia and also be a catalyst for the whole region. Previously known as Pusat Tenaga Malaysia, the Government-funded non-profit organisation comes under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, facilitating the realisation of the national green technology agenda through value-adding promotion, co-ordination and collaboration on green technology policies – ranging from training, bringing together universities, research institutions, industries and various other national and international organisations – on a gamut of green technology matters.
Deploying various educational promotional initiatives, GreenTech is raising awareness of how green technologies permeate through different sectors, including energy, building construction, transportation, ICT, water and waste management industries. GreenTech organises road shows nationwide and has also devised a television programme, Green Kids, to educate on how to minimise environmental degradation, such as deforestation and pollution.
“We have to come up with a green technology road map for the country to help prepare policies for the Government,” says Dr Nazily Mohd Noor, CEO of GreenTech Malaysia. “Our corporation is required to promote [the use of green technology], so we have to train people. We will be launching an academy to train Government staff and the private sector. GreenTech is going to offer a consultancy service, in terms of energy saving, green townships, carbon and water footprint calculation and ICT as well.”
During last year’s budget speech, the Prime Minister announced the Green Technology Financing Scheme. The Government has dedicated 1.5 billion ringgit (£305 million) to launch the initiative to encourage producers and users of green technology to come forward. Applications are made via GreenTech and so far in excess of 200 million ringgit has been earmarked for 17 companies. “One of its main objectives is to draw in foreign direct investment. We are focused on green technology, so we want companies from the UK and the world to come and join us,” adds Dr Nazily. “We are currently doing business matching and financing.” If a foreign company has a Malaysian partner, there is a tax incentive from the Government, which pays 2 per cent of the interest. So if it is 5 per cent then the company only has to pay 3 per cent.
True to Malaysia’s green initiatives, IGEM, the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia, is ASEAN’s largest annual event of its type. This year, the four-day IGEM 2011 expo starts on September 7 and will be a hotbed of buyers, sellers and investors from around the world exploring trade and collaboration opportunities, creating a vibrant mix of opportunities to help spur industries and institutions to adopt green technology.
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