Latest news with #TengkuAmirShah
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Don't make nature an afterthought in cities'
KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural Urban Biodiversity Conference (UBC) 2025 has called for nature to be placed at the centre of urban development. The UBC also urged policymakers, businesses and communities to invest in ecosystems as critical infrastructure for climate resilience, economic progress and liveability. Themed 'Coexistence: Shared Environments for Balance and Resilience', the conference was graced by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. His Royal Highness said the youth must be empowered to champion biodiversity as they are the key to sustaining Malaysia's natural heritage into the future. 'Urban biodiversity is not about returning cities to the forest but about intelligently designing our built environments to work in tandem with natural systems. 'It is timely to think beyond five-year plans,' the Raja Muda of Selangor said. Renowned economist and best-selling author Prof Mariana Mazzucato also delivered her keynote address titled 'A Mission-Oriented Approach to Climate, Biodiversity and Water'. She challenged conventional economic thinking, calling for a bold, collaborative model that treats climate, biodiversity and water not as an afterthought but as central to how we define and deliver public value. She urged both public and private sectors to move beyond reactive 'market-fixing' and help shape markets proactively, catalysing cross-sectoral innovation and investment to tackle urgent environmental challenges. The conference also saw the participation of a strong line-up of local and international experts. Dr Lena Chan, former senior director of the International Biodiversity Conservation division at Singapore's National Parks, shared how integrating biodiversity into homes, workplaces and public spaces is not just about aesthetics but essential for human health and well-being. Drawing from decades of work in biophilic design, she offered practical ideas for making nature a seamless part of urban life. Rika Reka specialist consultant Afzaa Aziz highlighted lessons from the Elmina Urban Biodiversity Corridor, showing how native ecosystems can be restored in city environments. Adj Prof Dr Tan Loke Mun, who is the director of ArchiCentre Sdn Bhd and DTLM Design Group Sdn Bhd, explored how adaptability and co-existence will shape the future of cities in the face of accelerating environmental and technological change. Panel discussions then explored how urban growth can align with environmental stewardship and how investment in nature can deliver long-term economic value. In the first panel, speakers including Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Malaysia Forest Fund chief executive officer Datuk Shah Redza Hussein, Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre executive director Dr Dzaeman Dzulkifli and Veritas Design Group group president and director David Mizan Hashim examined strategies for creating future-proof cities where development and biodiversity can thrive in tandem. The second panel featuring Cypark Resources Bhd chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Permodalan Nasional Bhd deputy president and group chief executive Datuk Rizal Rickman Ramli, Axiata Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan and Standard Chartered Malaysia chief executive officer Mak Joon Nien discussed the economic case and value of urban biodiversity, how it can reduce risk and support long-term growth. The day concluded with a thought-provoking fireside chat featuring Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who also delivered the closing remarks. The session, titled 'Malaysia's Green Leap', explored whether nature-based solutions could serve as real economic drivers, challenging participants to consider sustainability not as an ideal but as a viable strategy for growth. The UBC attracted close to 500 participants comprising federal and state policymakers and agencies, city planners, environmental experts, industry players, non-governmental organisations and community leaders, signalling wide support for the sustainability agenda. Sime Darby Property Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Azmir Merican, in his opening address, said the conference is an initiative to establish the business case for making urban biodiversity a core part of urban development. 'As developers, it may seem counterintuitive to talk about biodiversity but that's precisely why we must. 'What we build is important but how we build it matters just as much. 'If we are to meet the demands of growing cities while addressing climate and ecological realities, nature must be part of the plan, not an afterthought,' he said. According to Azmir, UBC will be a recurring platform to benchmark progress and scale impact while aligning with Malaysia's built environment and biodiversity targets. 'It is important to note that business profitability and sustainability must go hand in hand. 'Healthy and profitable companies invest in doing good, and in doing so, build long-term value beyond the balance sheet. 'We must recognise that restoring ecosystems, not just preserving them, creates better-performing cities that attract capital, talent and investment while raising the quality of life for all.' Through dedicated platforms like UBC, the call for policies, investments and designs that place nature at the heart of resilient, future-ready cities reinforces the need for collective action towards making biodiversity a foundation of sustainable urban development. UBC 2025, organised by Sime Darby Property, was held at the Sime Darby Convention Centre here.
New Straits Times
02-08-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Zero water treatment plant shutdowns in Selangor as of July 31
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) director Dr Mohmad Asari Daud confirmed that zero water treatment plant shutdowns were recorded in the state up to July 31 this year. He attributed this to intensified patrols and monitoring efforts by Luas, covering more areas identified as posing potential risks to water sources. As a result, he said, more pollution incidents were detected early and swiftly addressed without disrupting operations. "Through round-the-clock monitoring in sensitive water source areas across the state, no water treatment plant shutdowns were recorded compared with 15 cases in 2020," he said in his speech at Selangor's 2025 World Water Day celebration at Taman Tasik Shah Alam today. The state-level celebration was officiated by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. Also present were Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin and State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin. Tengku Amir Shah also launched the official World Water Day mascot, named Sumaita, and toured exhibition booths by government agencies and private organisations before departing. The programme aims to raise public awareness of the agencies responsible for water-related matters in Selangor and to encourage greater community stewardship of water sources for shared benefits. – Bernama
The Sun
02-08-2025
- General
- The Sun
Zero water treatment plant shutdowns in Selangor as of July 31
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) director Dr Mohmad Asari Daud confirmed that zero water treatment plant shutdowns were recorded in the state up to July 31 this year. He attributed this to intensified patrols and monitoring efforts by LUAS, covering more areas identified as posing potential risks to water sources. As a result, he said, more pollution incidents were detected early and swiftly addressed without disrupting operations. 'Through round‑the‑clock monitoring in sensitive water source areas across the state, no water treatment plant shutdowns were recorded compared with 15 cases in 2020,' he said in his speech at Selangor's 2025 World Water Day celebration at Taman Tasik Shah Alam today. The state-level celebration was officiated by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. Also present were Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin and State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin. Tengku Amir Shah also launched the official World Water Day mascot, named Sumaita, and toured exhibition booths by government agencies and private organisations before departing. The programme aims to raise public awareness of the agencies responsible for water‑related matters in Selangor and to encourage greater community stewardship of water sources for shared benefits. - Bernama
The Sun
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Raja Muda of Selangor honours entrepreneurs at PLATS Awards Night
KLANG: Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, graced the Platform Selangor (PLATS) Awards Night (MAPS) to recognise the achievements of local entrepreneurs. The event highlighted the success of participants in the U-PLATS Digital and U-PLATS Halal programmes. Accompanied by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and other dignitaries, Tengku Amir Shah presented awards to 22 entrepreneurs. The U-PLATS Digital awards included categories such as Main Micro Entrepreneur, Special Category Awards (Community, Youth, Revolution, Technology, Innovation, and Women), and best micro entrepreneur at the local authority level. Meanwhile, the U-PLATS Halal awards recognised participants who obtained the Malaysian Halal Confirmation Certificate. Award recipients received Point of Sales (POS) systems and training worth RM4,000 to enhance their business operations. Additionally, 10 entrepreneurs under the U-PLATS Halal programme received RM5,000 in sponsorship, with four already securing halal certification and four others in the approval process. During his speech, Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari highlighted that over 8,000 micro traders have benefited from PLATS programmes, gaining digitalisation access, training, and financial support. He called for collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and financial institutions to further develop micro and small businesses. 'Help them develop, compete healthily, and achieve success. We aim to nurture today's micro entrepreneurs into tomorrow's successful business owners,' he said. - Bernama
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Raja Muda of Selangor presents awards to state's top micro entrepreneurs
KLANG: Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah graced the Platform Selangor (Plats) Awards Night (MAPS) tonight held to celebrate the achievements of Plats entrepreneurs. The Raja Muda arrived at 8pm, accompanied by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Najwan Halimi and Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) (MBI Selangor) chief executive officer Datuk Saipolyazan M Yusop. Tengku Amir presented awards to 22 entrepreneurs under the U-Plats Digital and U-Plats Halal programme at the event. The U-Plats Digital awards include the Main Micro Entrepreneur Award, the Special Category Awards (Community, Youth, Revolution, Technology, Innovation and Women) as well as the best micro entrepreneur at the local authority level, while the U-Plats Halal awards are given to U-Plats Halal Series 1 participants who have obtained the Malaysian Halal Confirmation Certificate. All award recipients, who are U-Plats Digital alumni, also receive sponsored Point of Sales (POS) systems and comprehensive training worth RM4,000 to strengthen their business operations, while 10 entrepreneurs received sponsorship of RM5,000 under the U-Plats Halal programme, with four of them successfully receiving halal certification before July 30, and another four in the process of approval. Amirudin said during his speech tonight that over 8,000 micro traders have registered and joined various programmes under Plats and they not only receive access to digitalisation but are guided through training, given financial support, and the opportunity to develop in an inclusive manner. He also asked government agencies, industry players and financial institutions to work together to develop micro entrepreneurs and also small and medium enterprises. "Help them develop. Help them compete healthily and help them achieve success and bring returns to the state. "We want to nurture today's micro entrepreneurs to become successful business owners in the future," he added. — BERNAMA
