Programme updated as of 1 August 2025
The proposed opening address will address the following key messages/takeaways:
Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj
will deliver a
powerful royal address on the importance of protecting urban biodiversity as part of
Malaysia's
national heritage.
He will highlight how biodiversity is essential for sustainable prosperity and the
well-being of
future generations.
D.Y.T.M. Raja Muda Selangor will urge businesses, government bodies, and communities
to work together to protect and
restore Malaysia’s natural environment. The address will emphasize the shared
responsibility of
all stakeholders in preserving this vital resource.
The key takeaway for the audience is clear: sustainable progress depends on
balancing
development with biodiversity conservation. It’s a call to action for everyone to
play their part in
creating a thriving and sustainable future for Malaysia.
Professor Mazzucato will talk about the need for new economic thinking in order to put biodiversity, climate change and the global hydrological crisis at the centre of how we 'do capitalism'. She will argue that a "mission oriented" approach, as bold as that which got us to the moon (and back!) is required to transform challenges into opportunities that can catalyse cross-sectoral investment and outcomes-oriented innovation. Ultimately this requires the public sector to not only 'fix markets' reactively but shape them proactively, and work in symbiotic ways with business across sectors as different as energy, transport, materials, food, digital and much more. But this also requires treating our social problems as urgently and ambitiously as our ‘war’ problems. In an age in which geopolitical and nature based tensions are rising, the lessons in the talk are more important than ever.
Speaker
Weaving biodiversity into our daily lives is not just desirable, but essential. As humans, we are intrinsically linked to nature, and scientific evidence overwhelmingly proves that engaging with the natural world is fundamental to our physical, mental, and psychological well-being. Considering we spend approximately 90% of our lives within built environments, this presentation will be a vivid exploration of how biodiversity can seamlessly enrich every moment of our urban existence. From the tranquility of our homes to our commutes, workplaces, schools, and leisure spaces, Dr. Chan will illustrate how nature can be an ever-present companion. Through inspiring biophilic examples spanning residential homes, condominiums, industrial estates, shopping malls, hospitals, and even roadsides, attendees will discover tangible ways to foster a harmonious coexistence with nature. The session will conclude by sharing practical guidelines to ensure that biodiversity becomes an enduring, integral part of our lives, paving the way for sustained health and a more sustainable future.
This session will spotlight urban ecological restoration through the lens of the Elmina Urban Biodiversity Corridor—a collaborative initiative by Sime Darby Property and Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC). The speaker will share practical insights into how degraded urban landscapes can be revitalised to support biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and reconnect communities with nature. The case study will explore the project's goals, implementation strategies, and lessons learned in integrating ecological value into urban development.
Ever wonder how cities can tackle big challenges like climate change and still thrive? This talk reveals how cities are "futureproofing" themselves by building green and smart. Our speakers will share their bold plans for combining new ideas, natural solutions (like parks and green buildings), and community involvement to create cities that are tough, fair, and good for the Earth. You'll see that cities don't have to pick between getting ahead and saving the planet – they can do both!
Co-Existence is compatible to the theory of natural selection and survival of the fittest through co-operation, adaptability, specialisation and reproduction. Are humans still on the upward fitness trajectory with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, neural networks, humanoid robots and population decline?
This talk explains why investing in nature is smart business. We'll show how protecting biodiversity (like diverse plants and animals) can actually boost new ideas, lower risks, and create fresh markets. You'll see real examples and data proving that putting nature first can lead to real profits for businesses, builders, and governments. Nature isn't just a cost; it's an investment with a clear return.
Can nature be a powerhouse for economic growth, or is sustainability just talk? Join us for a chat that tackles this big question head-on. We'll look at real-world examples to see if working with nature – like our forests and rivers – can truly spark new ideas, build stronger communities, and help everyone prosper. You'll get to decide if a nature-friendly future is a real possibility or just a nice idea.
SPEAKER
