Latest news with #Theseira
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia making progress on climate governance front
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is strengthening its climate governance and sustainability framework with a laser focus on sector-specific actions, green finance and regional colla-boration. Climate Governance Malaysia (CGM) Council chairman Dr Gary Theseira (pic) outlined how Malaysia is positioning itself as an Asean leader in environmental, social and governance (ESG) transition, underpinned by policy alignment, financial innovation, and corporate participation. 'The energy sector remains the top contributor to Malaysia's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for more than 79% of total emissions, according to the Initial Biennial Transparency Report 2024. 'This includes power generation and transportation, both heavily dependent on fossil fuels. To address this, Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) is crucial. It prioritises the move from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as hydroelectricity, solar photovoltaic (PV), and emerging technologies like biomass gasification and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). 'The urgency to decarbonise the national grid goes hand in hand with the rapid electrification of transport and net-zero targets by corporations,' he told SunBiz. He pointed to the rise of 'behind-the-meter' solar PV solutions, which allow users to generate electricity on-site, easing the burden on the national grid while accelerating decarbonisation. 'However, Malaysia's climate strategy doesn't stop at emissions reduction. Equally vital is the preservation of natural carbon sinks. The Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector plays a pivotal role, seques-tering over 212 million tonnes of CO₂ equi-valent annually. 'Protecting forests and urban green spaces, which not only absorb carbon but also regulate temperature and humidity is important,' he stressed. Additionally, Theseira noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are another essential component of Malaysia's ESG journey. 'As key players in corporate value chains, their emissions data significantly influence major corporations' Scope 3 disclosures under the National Sustainability Reporting Frame-work (NSRF). 'Tools such as the Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide (SEDG) and the GHG Protocol have made it easier for SMEs to assess and report their emissions, contributing to a more transparent and accountable corporate landscape. 'Private investment in green projects remains a challenge, largely due to policy uncertainty and a lack of ecosystem support. Clear, coherent, and impactful government policies are essential to encourage long-term planning and investor confidence,' he said, adding that governments must foster resilient ecosystems and incentivise sectors aligned with climate goals to attract meaningful capital flows. To enhance the appeal of green financial instruments like sustainability-linked loans and green bonds, Theseira stressed the importance of measurable and certifiable impact, in line with government policy, further high-lighting the need for rigorous anti-greenwashing assessments to maintain investor trust, especially among retail investors increasingly concerned about ethical investments. 'Malaysia can also draw lessons from emerging markets such as China, India, and Brazil, which have successfully mobi-lised transition finance through strong policies, international collaboration, and innovative financing models. 'Malaysia should develop a clear transition roadmap, align its disclosure standards with global frameworks, and focus on 'bankable' projects such as grid upgrades and critical mineral development to attract private capital,' he remarked. Looking ahead, Theseira expressed optimism that now is the perfect moment to harmonise sustainability standards across Asean as the nation is assuming the chairmanship, enabling the region to better compete in global markets and secure its position as a trusted source of sustainable goods and services. He also expressed optimism about the National Climate Governance Summit 2025, which focuses on transition finance. 'The summit brings together regional stakeholders and global experts, offering a platform to share best practices and forge collaborative pathways toward a low-carbon future,' he said. Over the next five to 10 years, Theseira envisions Malaysia strengthening its climate governance frameworks and aligning them with global standards. 'With a Renewable Energy target of 70% by 2050 and a net-zero goal by the same year, he called for setting a national emissions peak and peaking window, a move that would signal commitment ahead of COP30 in Brazil and guide policy and industry action alike,' he said.
The Star
21-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Melaka's Portuguese community hopes for favourable outcome on status of historic Canossian Convent, says NGO chief
THE local Portuguese community remains hopeful for a favourable outcome concerning the status of the historic Canossian Convent located in Bandar Hilir, here. Save the Portuguese Community Action Committee (SPCAC) chairman Martin Theseira expressed confidence that the Melaka Chief Minister would give due consideration to the community's efforts to preserve the site, currently operating as SK Sacred Heart Canossian Convent, situated in the heart of the historic city that has provided quality education to locals for nearly a century. 'We are optimistic that Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh will take into account the long-standing contribution of the school to educational excellence and heritage,' Theseira said during an interview on Monday (April 21). He also revealed that Bandar Hilir assemblyman Leng Chau Yen had submitted a question on the matter to be addressed in the upcoming Melaka legislative assembly sitting, which is scheduled to begin on Friday (April 25) According to Theseira, Leng's question seeks clarification from the Melaka Land and Mines Office regarding the criteria used in determining land use rights and ownership, particularly for institutions that have long occupied and utilised the land for educational purposes, and that hold historical significance in the state's development. The question, he said, also calls for transparency in the Land Commissioner's discretion in evaluating applications for land ownership or extensions of land use by the Canossian Convent, acknowledging its contribution to both the education sector and Melaka's cultural heritage. "She has also enquired about the state government's plans to preserve the site, which holds deep ties to the Portuguese community and is an integral part of Melaka's identity,' he said. Last month, the High Court in Melaka dismissed a judicial review application filed by two mission organisations contesting ownership of the land on which the Sacred Heart Canossian Convent stands. Known as Lot 6, the site has served as a residence for the Canossian Sisters and an orphanage since 1905. A primary school was established there in 1929, followed by a secondary school in 1950. Theseira explained that the land was previously held under the title of the Portuguese Mission. Court documents presented by the applicants indicated that the original title deed, issued during the Dutch colonial era, had been in the possession of Catholic priest Father Alvaro Martins Corado during World War II. "However, the deed was lost following Corado's arrest and subsequent death in Japanese captivity in 1944," he added. Theseira stated that the first applicant in the case — the Mother Superior of the Daughters of Charity of the Canossian Institute (Malaya) — was legally established in 1957 to hold property belonging to the Canossian Sisters. The second applicant, he said, was the Agent of the Commission for the Administration of the Estates of the Portuguese Missions in China and Singapore (commonly known as the Portuguese Mission), which was formed under a 1910 colonial statute and claimed rightful ownership of the land in question. "The applicants had engaged in correspondence and meetings with state authorities in an attempt to secure a new title deed to replace the one that was lost,' he said, adding that SPCAC will continue to advocate for the preservation of the site, highlighting its historical and educational value.
