RAINFOREST CANOPY ADORNS MALAYSIA PAVILION AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

MESTECC Unveils Concept on Energising Sustainability

1 October 2019, Kuala Lumpur – The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) today, has officially unveiled “The Rainforest Canopy” concept and design for the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, to reflect the theme Energising Sustainability, with ambitious targets of RM10 billion in potential trade and/or investment value, 1,000 business leads and 20 Memorandum of Understandings or Partnership Agreements.

Chosen from a tightly contested open tender which saw 16 entries vying for the coveted spot, the winning team, Hijjas Architects & Planners, successfully depicted nature and functionality into a futuristic design, surpassing the competition in terms of eco-elements, technical accuracy, track record and creativity. Previously, the firm designed the much-acclaimed “four seeds” Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2015 Milan, and is also credited with several of Malaysia’s iconic landmarks.

Speaking at the selection announcement, Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, YB Puan Yeo Bee Yin said, “Any agency tasked with designing the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will need to showcase Malaysia’s success in balancing socio-economic progress and environmental conservation to an influential international audience – a mandate which we are confident Hijjas Architects & Planners can deliver given their impressive track record.”

“With this important milestone announced, we will now focus our efforts in developing the Pavilion’s content and programmes. On behalf of the ministry, I call upon all Malaysian corporations, heads of companies and entrepreneurs to be part of our energising sustainability journey to Dubai and explore the world of opportunities at the Expo,” she added.

Situated in the Sustainability District of Expo 2020 Dubai, the Rainforest Canopy successfully captures the overall objective of portraying Malaysia comprehensively. It is segmented into four areas; “Energising Today”, focused on how agri-commodities have shaped the socio-economic development of the country; “Energising Tomorrow”, showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to becoming a high-income nation, while reducing carbon emissions; “Energising Harmony”, encapsulating how Malaysians of diverse cultures, traditions and races are working together towards the nation’s progress; and “Energising Business”, portraying the role of the private sector, state-owned enterprises and government initiatives in promoting sustainable development across all industries.

Architect/Director of Hijjas Architects & Planners, Serina Hijjas explained, “We are humbled and grateful to MESTECC for selecting our vision for the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. It is indeed a herculean task to showcase our country’s diverse culture through architecture on the world stage. However, we are confident we will bring the concept of the rainforest canopy to life.”

“We were inspired by Malaysia’s indigenous tree houses and have applied a modern approach, incorporating solar energy, water harvesting and sustainably sourced materials, which reflects our passion to promote eco-friendly buildings for a sustainable and climate conscious future,” she said.

MESTECC has appointed Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) as the implementing agency for the Malaysia Pavilion. GreenTech Malaysia is tasked with charting a comprehensive programme based on six clusters across ten industries; Sustainable Agriculture and Agro-commodity; Energy, STI (Science, Technology and Innovation), Environment & Climate Change; Culture, Tourism, Education & Youth; E-Commerce & Information and Communications Technology (ICT); Trade & 4th Industrial Revolution as well as Malaysia Sustainability Week.

Acting Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer of GreenTech Malaysia, Tuan Syed Ahmad Syed Mustafa said, “GreenTech Malaysia is mandated to expand the adoption of innovation and sustainability across all sectors through high-level strategic initiatives at international platforms and we approach Malaysia’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai as one such important avenue.”

“We are coordinating and collaborating with several parties to offer Malaysian companies expanded opportunities at an incredible venue globally recognised for thriving trade, technology and tourism. With almost every nation participating at the Expo, we invite Malaysian companies to step forward and maximise their potential for growth globally,” he concluded.

During the event, Julie’s Biscuits was announced as the Malaysia Pavilion’s Official Industry (Biscuit) Partner, offering a cash and kind sponsorship package valued at RM3.45 million, which will also feature cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef, Martin Yan. Prior to this, Helios Photovoltaic Sdn Bhd was the first sponsor, pledging RM250,000 to the Malaysia Pavilion.

To encourage greater sign-ups, the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has allocated a total of RM200,000 for companies participating in Expo 2020 Dubai, with reimbursable grants of up to RM15,000 available for each successful applicant be these SMEs, trade bodies or professional service providers engaging in international export promotional activities. Additionally, Malaysian companies can apply for tax incentives when they participate as exhibitors at Expo 2020 Dubai, subject to terms and conditions.

Themed Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, Expo 2020 Dubai will be held for 6 months, starting from 20th October 2020, aiming to build partnerships and inspire ideas that will forge the world of tomorrow with the participation of 192 nations and 25 million expected visits.

As part of growing Malaysia’s sustainability footprint, MESTECC together with GreenTech Malaysia will also be organising the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM), one of the region’s most successful green technology, business and innovation platforms, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre between 9th and 11th October 2019 targeting RM2.8 billion in business leads, 350 exhibitors, and 35,000 visitors from over 35 countries.

For partnerships, participation and sponsorship details on Expo 2020 Dubai, please email, expo2020dubai@greentechmalaysia.my and on IGEM 2019, please visit www.igem.my