By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — All 12 local councils in Selangor have made significant progress towards achieving the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, reflecting the state’s strong commitment to a sustainable future, said state executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han.
He cited several key initiatives by the local authorities, including the Shah Alam City Council, which has made notable advancements in five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including eradicating poverty and climate action.
The Subang Jaya City Council and Sepang Municipal Council have also reported substantial progress in areas like good health and gender equality, demonstrating the state’s comprehensive efforts towards sustainability.
“Our journey towards sustainability is grounded in our commitment to the SDGs, with data-driven initiatives aimed at improving residents’ quality of life, while protecting our natural resources,” Ng said in his special remarks during the Selangor-Korea Sustainable Futures Seminar at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
The seminar was held as part of the second series of the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2024, which features three key event: the Selangor International Expo for Food and Beverage, the Selangor Life Sciences Conference, and the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Conference.
In his speech, the councillor emphasised Selangor’s focus on sustainable agriculture and innovation in aviation fuel through the Selangor Aero Park, positioning the state as a hub for sustainable development across various industries.
He also pointed out the state’s flourishing life sciences sector, having attracted over RM6.5 billion in investments from 2019 to 2023, with significant growth anticipated in healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, and medical technology innovations.
“This sector has diversified beyond glove production into biopharmaceuticals and medical technologies, driving economic growth,” Ng said, while calling for further international collaboration.
He also reiterated the state administration’s plan to develop a Biomedical Park Malaysia (BPM), in collaboration with Advance Pact Sdn Bhd.
“This initiative aims to catalyse innovation and research in the life sciences sector, focusing on critical health issues such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
“By creating a dynamic ecosystem for life sciences innovation, we aim to attract global industry leaders and promote industry-academia partnerships, fostering a collaborative environment that can drive significant advancements,” Ng said.