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Circular Economy: a responsible business and innovation opportunity for Malaysian businesses

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Circular Economy:  a responsible business and innovation opportunity for Malaysian businesses
Type: Workshop
Location: Kuala Lumpur, M...
Organizer: ACEBA, ASEAN Business Advisory Council
Malaysia Workshop

WHEN:  23 September 2025     I    TIME:  08:30–12:15 (GMT+8)    I  Watch the recording  HERE

Background

Southeast Asia has committed to transition to Circular Economy (CE) to support a resilient economy, sustainable growth, and resource efficiency, through the regional 2021 ASEAN Circular Economy Framework and national policy, roadmaps, and action plans of ASEAN Member States. Specifically, Malaysia has committed to CE through the CE Blueprint for Solid Waste 2025-2035 and the CE Policy Framework for Manufacturing.

Leading businesses and other organizations in the region have started to benefit from the implementation of CE practices in sectors as diverse as agri-food, textile and garments, tourism and hospitality, building and construction, and waste minimization and recovery.

The ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA) has been launched in 2024 to further facilitate business leadership and action on CE, to hasten the achievement of the aims and objectives of the regional and national frameworks. In collaboration with the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia, this workshop will showcase and discuss Malaysian and ASEAN CE business cases, and facilitate a dialogue on best practices and insights on business opportunities in the regional and national CE transition. 

National Workshop: Business Leadership for Circular Economy

ACEBA, in partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and supported by the EU SWITCH Asia Policy Support Component, will be hosting an national learning and networking workshop on 23 September 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the theme Circular Economy: a responsible business and innovation opportunity for Malaysian businesses.

Specifically, this workshop is designed to:

  1. Present the ACEBA initiative to Malaysian businesses and selected partners;
  2. Showcase CE business cases from Malaysia and other ASEAN member states; and
  3. Discuss best practices and potential pathways for Malaysian business to start CE implementation for their strategic and competitive advantage.

Speakers

Dr. Jayaprakash MURULITHARAN, Principal Assistant Secretary, Urban Sustainability Division, Ministry of Housing and Local Government

Dr. Jayaprakash Murulitharan is a Senior Policy Advisor and environmental scientist with over 15 years’ experience in climate change, environmental management, and sustainability. He holds a PhD in Atmospheric Science from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Sustainability from the University of Strathclyde. Currently, he leads Malaysia’s Circular Economy Act framework and key legislative reforms on solid waste management, building on a career across several ministries. His achievements include the National Haze Action Plan, Marine Litter Policy, and work on the Kigali Amendment. He has represented Malaysia in UN and World Bank negotiations, bridging science and policy to deliver practical solutions for sustainability.

Ms. Aedreena REEZA ALWI, Senior Director, Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry to present the The CE Policy Framework for the Manufacturing Sector

A Senior Director at Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) with 23 years of experience in industrial policy, trade negotiations, and economic cooperation. Currently leading the Delivery Management Unit, she oversees the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and has spearheaded key policies including Industry4WRD, CIR2030, and the Circular Economy Policy Framework for Manufacturing. She also negotiated the Johor-Singapore SEZ sectors and previously directed resource-based policy for industries such as steel, oil & gas, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. She holds an MBA in European-Asian Management (with distinction) from the Berlin School of Economics and Law.

 

Mr. Thomas PUI WEE HUA, Chief Operating Officer Entomal Biotech Sdn Bhd

 

Mr. Thomas Pui is the Chief Operating Officer of Entomal Biotech Sdn Bhd, Southeast Asia’s leading on-demand biotechnology company specializing in the transformation of organic waste and by-products into sustainable protein. Entomal's mission is to tackle global food and waste challenges by converting food waste into valuable resources such as insect protein and organic fertilizer, contributing to environmental sustainability and food security. In 2018, Thomas underwent intensive Entomology and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) training at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, equipping him with advanced expertise in insect-based bioconversion technology. At Entomal, he is responsible for leading the company’s mission, shaping its business strategy, driving growth, optimizing customer experience, and managing people operations.

 

Mr. Steven NG YONG  BENG, Founder and Director Geomax Rubber

Steven Ng, Founder & Director of Geomax Rubber, drives sustainable innovation in eco-friendly rubber products through patented green technology. Recognised as Tatler Asia’s Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow 2025 and Innovator of the Year (Top In Tech Awards 2024), he has also earned multiple accolades, including Gold at SIRIM EXPO 2024 and ESG Positive Impact Awards 2022. His leadership has positioned Geomax as a leading force in responsible rubber innovation, featured in The Edge Malaysia and Vulcan Post.

 

Mr. Danesh ANANDAN, Chief Executive Officer Renewcell

Danesh Anandan is the Co-Founder and CEO of Renewcell (M) Sdn Bhd and a graduate of Curtin University with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. With a strong technical foundation and experience in the energy sector, he plays a pivotal role in advancing Renewcell’s innovative solutions in battery regeneration and sustainability. Danesh’s expertise enables the company to address challenges in the battery supply chain with a focus on circular economy, cost efficiency, and environmental impact. Through his leadership, Renewcell contributes to Malaysia’s sustainability goals while driving progress in green technology and battery circularity.

 

Ms. Crystal Yip, Senior Lead, Digital & Innovation, UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei

Crystal Yip is a sustainability professional with experience across non-profit and private sectors, combining expertise in business operations, environmental responsibility, and social impact. At UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei, she has led programmes on climate action, water resilience, and supply chains, and was instrumental in developing tools such as the ESG START assessment, PROGRESS climate maturity assessment, and the CSP Competency Framework 2.0 with Bursa Malaysia. Her work supports companies and professionals in advancing sustainability across Malaysia and Brunei.

 

Agenda

*Hybrid setup (in-person and live streaming online)

Time

Topic

Lead

08:30 - 09:00

Arrival and Registration (coffee to be served)

    

09:00 – 09:03

Overview of the Agenda

 

Inauguration and Context Setting

09:03 – 09:10

Opening remarks and introduction to ACEBA and ARAIBA

 

Mr. Thomas THOMAS

Co-convenor, ACEBA; Chairman, ARAIBA Sdn Bhd; and senior expert, SWITCH-Asia PSC

09:10 – 09:20

Opening remarks and introduction to EU-SWITCH Asia Policy Support Component

 

Dr. Zinaida FADEEVA, Team Leader, EU SWITCH-Asia PSC

09:20 – 09:45

Malaysia Circular Economy Policy Context

 

  • CE Blueprint for Solid Waste 2025-2035

 

 

 

 

  • The CE Policy Framework for the Manufacturing Sector

 

 

Dr. Jayaprakash MURULITHARAN

Principal Assistant Secretary, Urban Sustainability Division, Ministry of Housing and Local Government

 

Ms. Aedreena REEZA ALWI, Senior Director, Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry

 

09:45 – 10:00

Q&A and Discussion

 

SESSION 1: Circular Economy: A Responsible Business and Innovation Opportunity

10:00 – 10:20   

Circular Economy: from concept to responsible business and innovation opportunity

Dr. Rene VAN BERKEL

Co-convenor, ACEBA; senior expert, SWITCH-Asia PSC; and faculty, Thammasat University

10:20 -10:40

Coffee break

 

10:40 – 10:45

ACEBA video    - circular economy by ASEAN business

 

10:45 – 11:20

Experience Sharing: Circular Economy achievements of Malaysian Businesses

  • Mr. Thomas PUI WEE HUA, Chief Operating Officer Entomal
  • Mr. Steven NG YONG  BENG, Founder and Director Geomax Rubber
  • Mr. Danesh ANANDAN, Chief Executive Officer Renewcell

Moderated by Mr. Thomas THOMAS

SESSION 2: ACEBA: Supporting CE action by Malaysian business

11:20 – 11:35

ACEBA: Mandate, modalities and resources for Malaysia

Dr. Rene VAN BERKEL

11:35 – 12:15

Advancing Circular Economy action in Malaysia

  • Ms. Crystal Yip, Senior Lead, Digital & Innovation, UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei
  • Mr. Thomas THOMAS, Co-convenor, ACEBA; Chairman, ARAIBA Sdn Bhd; and senior expert, SWITCH-Asia PSC

Moderated by Dr. Rene VAN BERKEL

12:15 – 12:25

Conclusions and Next Steps

ACEBA

12:25 – 12:30

Vote of thanks

Ms. Loraine GATLABAYAN, Expert, SWITCH-Asia PSC

12:30– 13:30

Luncheon