KUALA LUMPUR, 15 April 2025 – The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) successfully hosted the 5th German-Malaysian Business Forum (GMBF) today under the theme “Malaysia Leading the Green Energy Transition in ASEAN.” The forum reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to advancing renewable energy adoption, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable industrial transformation in the region.
Held against the backdrop of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, the event spotlighted the nation’s strategic role in accelerating the region’s clean energy ambitions and fostering a greener economy across Southeast Asia.
A Platform for Green Collaboration and Investment
This year’s GMBF brought together key government officials, business leaders, and industry experts to exchange insights on the opportunities, challenges, and forward strategies for scaling the region’s green economy. The forum served as a high-level platform to deepen German-Malaysian ties and catalyse cooperation among stakeholders dedicated to sustainability and climate action.
“In our role as ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will advocate for enhanced regional cooperation on climate action, green energy, and sustainable development,” said YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, in his virtual keynote address. “We are fully invested in driving the green transition not only within our borders but across Southeast Asia.”
Jan Noether, Executive Director of MGCC, added: “This forum underscores the critical role of renewable energy in shaping ASEAN’s sustainable future. With Malaysia leading the charge, this is a defining moment to accelerate the green transition, attract clean energy investments, and position Malaysia as a regional hub for sustainability.”
German-Malaysian Cooperation for a Greener Economy
Special remarks were delivered by Tobias Pierlings, Head of Division for External Economic Policy (South and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania) at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), reaffirming Germany’s commitment to green economic collaboration in Southeast Asia.
Industry Voices Drive the Conversation
Industry leaders and experts also shared key insights on green technology and sustainability efforts, including:
- Sashi Ambihaipahan, Director of Corporate Communications & Sustainability, BMW Group Malaysia – on the future of mobility and sustainable automotive innovation.
- Ir. Ts. Nor Ziha binti Zainol Abidin, Head of Corporate, Ventures & Development at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) – on Malaysia’s national energy transition efforts.
- Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) – on public-private partnerships to scale green investments.
A panel discussion titled “Strengthening Green Energy Transformation in Malaysia and Beyond: What are the Opportunities and Challenges?” featured:
- Esther Lew, Principal Assistant Secretary, Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA)
- Azli Mohamed, Managing Director, Siemens Energy Malaysia
- JP Leong, Senior Manager, Business Development, TERA VA Sdn Bhd
Moderated by Nat Tan Zhai Yun, Editor of ESG at The Edge Malaysia, the panel tackled policy frameworks, financing models, and the role of innovation in driving green energy adoption.
Building on a Legacy of Dialogue and Innovation
The German-Malaysian Business Forum has become MGCC’s flagship event, with previous editions addressing digital transformation, ESG in supply chains, pandemic-disrupted logistics, and Malaysia’s free trade positioning.
With green energy now taking center stage, the 5th GMBF positions Malaysia as a key regional leader in clean technology, investment, and cross-border collaboration.
