IGEM 2026: Target Of RM22.5 Bln In Potential Business Leads Achievable - Arthur

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2026’s target of RM22.5 billion in potential business leads is achievable despite being much higher than the target for last year’s edition, according to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

He said the higher target was set based on increased industry awareness of the importance of transitioning to more sustainable green technologies, in addition to the increased clarity of the ministry’s policies and plans.

IGEM 2025 had targeted RM5.5 billion in business leads.

Having the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as strategic partners for this year’s event would facilitate matters and help attract more investments into the green technology sector, Arthur said when officiating the ribbon-cutting ceremony for IGEM 2026 here today.

The 17th edition of IGEM, themed “Race Towards Net Zero: Action Beyond Boundaries”, is being held from Oct 7 to 9 in Kuala Lumpur. It is organised by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) and its agency Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC).

On the better policy clarity, Arthur noted that in April, NRES launched the National Carbon Market Policy and it has signalled to the market and industry that it intends to table the Climate Change Bill as soon as possible.

 “In addition, I have also announced that I will not issue any new emissions licences to polluters who fail to comply with the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations,” he said when officiating the ribbon-cutting ceremony for IGEM 2026 here today.

 Arthur said the ministry had sent a clear message to the industry to take the necessary steps to comply with existing regulations and laws, thereby helping to reduce air pollution.

“Following this, more advanced technologies are needed to support the implementation of existing laws and policies,” he added.

Arthur said IGEM 2026 was expected to attract 60,000 visitors.

“This year, we have achieved 100 per cent occupancy of exhibition space, with nearly 200 exhibitors, comprising 70 per cent local exhibitors and 30 per cent international companies,” he said.

He noted that this year, the event introduced the sustainable lifestyle segment to attract consumers as well as the fashion sector to instil sustainability values in the industry.

“We have also invited artists and influencers to attend and help promote sustainable fashion values,” he said.

The IGEM 2026 opening ceremony tomorrow is expected to be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

At a separate event in the evening, Arthur presented awards in six exhibition booth categories during the exhibitors’ appreciation ceremony.

The winners were Bio Eneco Sdn Bhd for Best Display Booth, Tenaga Nasional Bhd for Best Informative Booth, Shenzhen Sofarsolar Co Ltd for Best Sustainable Booth, Solax Power Network Technology (Zhejiang) Co Ltd for Best Creative Booth, Tractors Malaysia for Best Interactive Booth, and MIDA for the Best Appreciation Award .

-- BERNAMA