MALAYSIA Pavilion has announced Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) as its premier partner for Expo 2020 Dubai, also known as the World Expo, that will take place from Oct 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

With its aspiration to be a progressive energy and solutions partner, the national energy company’s participation aligns with the Malaysia Pavilion’s “Energising Sustainability” theme.

Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC), the implementing agency of the Malaysia Pavilion, said Expo 2020 Dubai is a good platform for Petronas to showcase its sustainability aspirations and roadmap to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 as climate change becomes one of the most important priorities for the global community.

“The growing momentum for us to transition to low carbon is imperative and we are proud to have one of the most successful homegrown brands to be part of Malaysia’s representation at the World Expo.

“Petronas’ accomplishments throughout the years and its commitment to help shape climate action beyond its immediate sphere of influence bolster the nation’s credibility in sustainability,” MGTC CEO Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor said in a statement yesterday.

He said corporations are needed to go further to help build a carbon-neutral future for everyone, adding that he is optimistic that strong partnerships would help move the world closer to a more energy-efficient future for all.

The World Expo will be participated in by 192 countries and organisations, to be held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

Themed “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, Expo 2020 Dubai aims to promote global cooperation, innovation, technological development, human progress and education.

Malaysia’s participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai is led by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry with MGTC as the implementing agency.

“Petronas’ participation as premier partner catalyses our efforts to encourage other Malaysian businesses to leverage Expo 2020 to build their brands’ visibility at a global platform.

“While providing an avenue for corporations to join in on the conversation, our objective is also to position Malaysia as a sustainable and future-ready investment hub that is committed to improving how we do business on the day to day,” Shamsul Bahar said.

Meanwhile, Petronas president and group CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz (picture) said the partnership with Malaysia Pavilion allows the company to showcase its commitment and holistic approach to sustainability.

“We are embracing the need to chart a more sustainable path forward, and drive the maturity of our environmental, social and governance practices and realising our net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 aspiration.

“We will continue our efforts in our operational excellence and through innovative partnerships to create cleaner energy solutions towards building a carbon-neutral future for all,” he said.

Petronas will have a dedicated exhibition area for six months inside the Malaysia Pavilion, featuring a 3D animated effect presentation on its sustainability journey, ventures into new energy and innovative solutions.

The group is also expected to take part in panel discussions and business meetings with foreign dignitaries and business leaders at the Malaysia Pavilion, while also participating in thought leadership forums.

Malaysia Pavilion is designed as a “Rainforest Canopy”.

The various segments of the Malaysia Pavilion house permanent displays and exhibits that reflect Malaysia’s unique and steadfast commitment to sustainable development.

The Malaysia Pavilion will host weekly thematic trade and business programmes, encompassing over 10 industry verticals, including education; youth and technopreneurship; trade; Industrial Revolution 4.0 and smart manufacturing; and science, technology and innovation, among others.

Expo 2020 will officially open on Oct 1, 2021.

Malaysians could visit the Malaysia Pavilion via a virtual platform that will be announced later.

Source : The Malaysian Reserve