Organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), this session introduced the latest technological trends and corporate initiatives on Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB) and hydrogen/ammonia - flagship projects under the public-private initiative Cleaner Energy Future Initiative for ASEAN (CEFIA) - aimed at strengthening collaboration between Japan and Malaysia in promoting energy transition and decarbonization technologies.

Part 1 introduced Japan’s Zero Energy Building (ZEB) technologies, featuring high-performance insulation, reflective materials, BIPV/BAPV systems, and advanced automation for energy management-practical solutions supporting urban energy savings and smart city development.

Part 2 showcased hydrogen and ammonia technologies covering hydrogen supply chains, green hydrogen production, and ammonia co-firing. These presentations highlighted clean fuel applications for decarbonization and energy transition, reinforcing prospects for Malaysia-Japan collaboration in advancing clean energy technologies.

This session was co-organized by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) and the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ and focused on sustainable management of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and batteries, addressing resource circulation and recycling systems in Malaysia and Japan. With rising vehicle ownership, automotive waste has become a critical issue, underscoring the need for circular mobility policies and technologies. Opening remarks by MOEJ and NRES outlined recent policy developments on circular economy and extended producer responsibility (EPR), stressing the importance of recycling capacity, landfill reduction, and cross-sector collaboration. Japanese and Malaysian companies presented practical initiatives, including component reuse, safe battery collection and treatment, and recovery of valuable materials such as lithium and rare metals. These examples demonstrated how innovation and policy frameworks can drive sustainable mobility.

Participants shared insights on harmonizing regulations, developing human resources, and promoting industrial cooperation, reaffirming that collaboration among governments, manufacturers, and recyclers is essential to reducing environmental impact and advancing circular mobility.

This session examined Malaysia’s challenges in water environment and waste pollution control, focusing on sustainable infrastructure development and technical cooperation. Rapid urbanization and industrial growth have outpaced wastewater and solid waste management, worsening water pollution and waste generation. The keynote by Malaysia’s National Water Services Commission (SPAN) outlined the current water resource management framework, regulatory standards, and future policy directions.

Part 1 featured Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (MOEJ) introducing initiatives under the Model Project for the Improvement of the Water Environment in Asia, followed by Japanese companies presenting technologies such as decentralized treatment systems, industrial wastewater solutions, advanced purification, microplastic countermeasures, and digital monitoring (DX).

Part 2 highlighted Japan’s efforts to promote a sound material-cycle society and waste management technologies, with business cases on biomass boilers, low-temperature carbonization, hydrogen production, and waste-to-energy systems. Discussions emphasized reducing landfill waste, expanding recycling and energy recovery, and fostering collaboration among governments, industries, and communities to advance the circular economy and reduce environmental burdens.

This session introduced the Partnership to Strengthen Transparency for co-Innovation (PaSTI), an international initiative led by MOEJ to enhance greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems in ASEAN countries. The discussion focused on promoting corporate transparency and data reliability in climate actions.

NRES and MOEJ presented ongoing collaborations under PaSTI, emphasizing the role of private-sector data management in supporting Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Malaysian policymakers shared updates on MRV system development and environmental disclosure initiatives.

Examples from regional partners, including the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission and Bursa Malaysia, demonstrated how incentive mechanisms encourage corporate environmental reporting. Japanese participants introduced voluntary emission management systems and third-party verification practices.

Speakers highlighted the need to improve data accuracy, expand technical support, and strengthen coordination between government and industry. The session underscored the importance of corporate-led actions and public–private partnerships for achieving transparency in climate governance.

This session convened policymakers and private sector representatives from Malaysia and Japan on “Materializing Paris-aligned Climate Actions – Focused Government-to-Business Dialogue on Climate Policy and Technology Solutions-,” aiming to integrate policies, technologies, and businesses to advance decarbonization and climate adaptation. Opening remarks by NRES and MOEJ outlined Malaysia’s National Climate Change Policy and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and Japan’s cooperation mechanisms such as the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), reaffirming commitments to low-carbon business initiatives.

Part 1 addressed decarbonization in industry, energy, and urban infrastructure, featuring initiatives on CCS, waste-to-energy, renewable energy, refrigerant management, and energy efficiency via cogeneration and BioCNG. Speakers stressed policy support, investment environments, and technology transfer for long-term cooperation.

Part 2 focused on climate adaptation and regional collaboration, presenting strategies for heat mitigation, water resource management, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and community-based disaster risk reduction. Discussions emphasized balancing technology deployment with local engagement and private investment. Both countries shared the view that, while utilizing existing initiatives, public and private sectors should collaborate to further advance climate action.

This session, co-organized by the ASEAN-Japan Centre and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), focused on creating sustainable value from waste through ASEAN-Japancollaboration. As waste generation rises with economic growth, the session highlighted innovative business models that transform waste into resources within a circular economy framework. Opening remarks by the ASEAN-Japan Centre emphasized the importance of partnerships to promote recycling, reuse, and resource recovery. Presentations by companies and organizations from ASEAN and Japan showcased examples of converting waste into new materials, products, and energy sources. Practical cases from manufacturing, food processing, and materials industries—including plastics, paper, and metals—were introduced. Discussions also addressed improving waste collection and sorting systems and developing locally integrated upcycling models.

Participants emphasized viewing waste as a resource with economic potential and highlighted collaborative innovation between ASEAN and Japanese companies as key to building circular business ecosystems and expanding sustainable markets. The session concluded by reaffirming the potential of ASEAN-Japan partnerships to advance a “value-creating circular economy” supporting regional sustainable growth.