Pressing Ahead with the Renewable Energy Agenda

The energy transition agenda is gaining momentum with the global call to flatten the climate curve. While governments have stepped up their commitment and some countries and companies have pledged for a net zero carbon emission goal by 2050, what can we to contribute to this agenda? Read Dr Wei-nee's article on the World Economic Forum website about renewable energy.

Speakers

Welcome by Sunita Rajakumar, co-founder of Climate Governance Malaysia.

Sam Kimmins, Head of the RE100 will describe why companies should embrace 100% of their electricity consumption from renewables. 

Dr Wei-nee will speak about the status of renewable energy in Malaysia and the current policies and opportunities for renewable energy. She invites discussion if the goal to reach net zero by 2050 is going to be viable.

Davis Chong of SolarVest will talk about the real scenarios of the solar commercial market from the EPCC’s point of view. The fast-growth and increasing demand for solar energy in Malaysia is no doubt due to the encouragement of government initiatives, variety of solar financing options and the attractive LCOE. However, it has also resulted in many other challenges such as project hiccups especially after the restrictions impacted by COVID-19 that raised sceptical voices from the public. Davis will unveil how EPCCs overcome the challenges and the prospect of solar energy in the Malaysia market.

These talks will be followed by a Q&A with the speakers, moderated by Marina Yong.

About the Speakers

Sam Kimmins is Head of the RE100 with the Climate Group.  RE100 brings together the world's most influential companies committed to 100% renewable power. Over his 25-year career, Sam has lead sustainability projects across the shipping, aviation, and construction sectors.  Prior to leading RE100, Sam spearheaded Forum for the Future’s Sustainable Shipping Initiative. He is currently non-executive director of the Ethical Consumer Research Association, and holds an MSc in Pollution and Environmental Control from the University of Manchester

Dr. Wei-nee Chen holds a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science from the University of Canterbury, a Master of Business Administration from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She was formerly the Chief Strategic Officer of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) of Malaysia from October 2011 until September 2020. From December 2005 to mid-2011, Dr. Wei-nee served in the capacity of a Technical Advisor in the Malaysia Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV) Project; a project by the United Nations Development Program and administered by the Malaysian Government. Prior to coming back to Malaysia, she worked in New Zealand for 10 years in various industries. Today, Dr Wei-nee is known for her deep passion for renewable energy and energy transition. On 16th September 2020, she joined Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd, Malaysia's first publicly listed independent oil & gas exploration and production company, to pursue her passion in energy transition under the capacity of the Vice-President of New Energy Ventures. 

Davis Chong is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Solarvest Holdings Berhad. With the extensive marketing and corporate experience from former employment in multinational companies, Davis has continuously implemented Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Commissioning (EPCC) strategic commercial plans for solar market in Malaysia, including grid-tied/off grid system and self-consumption model in the business segment from rooftop to utility-scale solar.

Believing in the vision of creating “A World Generated by Renewable Energy”, the group - Solarvest has now installed more than 300MW solar plants across Malaysia and is now eyeing at geographical expansion to SEA countries, as well as setting footprints in APAC market.

Marina Yong has worked in sustainability issues for nearly 30 years in consulting work covering environmental assessments, environmental management systems, chemical health risk assessments, and the development of environmental audit policies and energy policies for internationally funded projects.  Sector experience includes oil & gas, power generation, chemicals, metals, consumer goods, electronics, semiconductor, rubber gloves, and telecommunication services among others.

Marina graduated with a BSc in marine biology and an MSc in biological oceanography, as well as completed post-graduate training in environmental science and technology. She currently serves as a non-executive director on two boards - a water utility company and a company advising on sustainable resource management for agricultural commodities.