Interchamber Climate Champions Collective 2025 - Session 2

List of speakers:

Dr. Gary Theseira, Chair of the Council of the Climate Governance Malaysia (CGM)

Mr. Stefano Clini, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia.

Mr. Karl Godderis, CEO of EUROCHAM Malaysia.

His Excellency Rafael Daerr, the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Malaysia.

Mr. Joseph D'Cruz, Board Member of CGM.

Dr.Shubhabrata Samantaray, founder of Enheroes Global Energy and British Malaysia Chamber of Commerce (BMCC)

The “Climate Champions Collective” Interchamber Networking Session 2, held on 13 November 2025 at Carlsberg Malaysia’s Probably The Best Lounge from 5pm to 8pm, was centred on the theme “Why Signalling Climate Ambition is Important.” The program included opening remarks by Dr. Gary Theseira, Mr. Stefano Clini and Mr. Karl Godderis. His Excellency Rafael Daerr gave a keynote speech together with participating in a fireside chat titled moderated by Mr. Joseph D’Cruz. The session concluded with closing remarks from Dr.Shubhabrata Samantaray.

Dr. Gary highlighted the urgency of climate action amid ongoing global discussions and growing fatigue around ESG in his opening remarks. He stressed that effective progress requires an all-of-society and all-of-government approach, with stakeholders across the value chain understanding both their environmental impacts and the rising risks of extreme weather. He underscored that clear and consistent signalling between government, regulators, businesses, and supply chains is essential to advancing climate ambition, before inviting the expert speakers to continue the discussion.

Additionally, Mr. Stefano highlighted Carlsberg Malaysia's strong sustainability commitment, detailing a RM200 million brewery transformation that dramatically reduced resource use, including a 46% water consumption cut in its newest line, while stressing ambitious targets of zero carbon in its brewery by 2030 and net zero by 2040, achieved through public-private collaboration and strong governance (e.g., FTSE4Good and MSCI listings). In contrast, Mr. Karl expressed concern over the global decline in climate ambition due to political shifts, warning that sustainability roles are being downgraded to mere compliance. He also stressed that climate action is a necessity and proposed that bold, cross-ideological cooperation, such as a binding alliance between the European Union (EU) and China, is needed to drive real progress beyond minimal obligation.

During His Excellency’s keynote speech, he emphasised that climate action is a major economic opportunity, citing the rapidly expanding global green market, valued at US$ 5 trillion and projected to hit US$ 14 trillion by 2030, with the EU serving as proof that ambitious policy such as the binding 2035 fossil fuel car phaseout can drive economic growth while significantly reducing emissions. This predictable EU framework sets clear standards for global supply chains, creating opportunities for Malaysia, which is well-positioned to benefit through its diversifying energy sector (solar/hydropower), substantial rare earth potential for jointly developing an ESG-compliant supply chain as an alternative to China-centric networks, and progress in sustainable palm oil certifications (RSPO/MSPO). Furthermore, EU-backed support extends to forest conservation and carbon sink projects, while ongoing EU–Malaysia FTA negotiations will reinforce sustainability provisions and market access, alongside efforts to enable the European Investment Bank (EIB) to operate in Malaysia and significantly scale up local green financing.

During the fireside chat, it was discussed that the EU's policy recalibration is a necessary strategic adjustment driven by stakeholder input and economic realities, affirming the consistent, long-term alignment on climate goals between the EU and Malaysia despite geopolitical noise. The session emphasised that true progress relies on "quiet signals" corporate and cross-border partnerships which both regions must amplify to counter negative narratives. During the session, it was also discussed that sustainability is shifting into a core component of industrial policy and corporate function; this involves embedding the role into finance and compliance due to regulatory demands, but experts cautioned that this risks downgrading CSOs to mere compliance roles, potentially sidelining crucial strategic discussions. Finally, bilateral cooperation was also touched upon and it was highlighted as being essential for addressing Malaysia's major energy transition challenge, particularly balancing fossil fuel phase-out with surging electricity demand. The EU is committed to offering expertise and financing for integrated power grids and clean energy, yet effective communication remains vital to linking climate action with public priorities like long-term affordability and resilience.

Lastly, in his closing remarks, Dr.Shubhabrata argued that achieving climate goals requires Climate Optimism and must be treated as an economic opportunity supported by solid business cases and accelerated "moonshots," rather than relying on mere incremental change. He also strongly affirmed the EU’s leadership in climate action and summarised the strategy through five pillars: enhancing Climate Literacy and Advocacy, strengthening Climate Diplomacy (like the EU-Malaysia relationship), championing Climate Innovation (including deep tech and renewables), and reforming Climate Finance (via blended and democratised models). He also asserted that while challenges exist, effective climate action is the foundational pillar for sustainable prosperity and a key to achieving "climate happiness."