As the climate crisis deepens, the urgency to act is no longer just a global issue, it’s a local one too. In response, FAST (Forward Asia Strategic Transformation), a national initiative by Persatuan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM), made a powerful stop in Kota Kinabalu on 12 June 2025.
This impactful session brought together government leaders, green tech entrepreneurs, and sustainability advocates under one roof to spark real change.
Held at GA Space, the event aimed to show how combining policy, technology, and entrepreneurship can protect the environment while building a stronger, future-ready Malaysian economy.
Patrick Chiam Sets the Tone for Sabah
The event opened with a passionate speech by Patrick Chiam, PUMM Sabah State Chairman, who welcomed guests and reaffirmed Sabah’s growing role in Malaysia’s sustainability journey.
“Businesses need to work together and build a better community. Only then can we move forward and create a truly sustainable way of living.”
His message was a call for unity across industries and sectors, underlining how collaboration is not competition it is the path forward. As the state chairman, Patrick also emphasized PUMM Sabah’s commitment to nurturing environmentally conscious entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Forum Sparks Ideas, Policy, and Action
With the theme “Environmental Protection: How Government Policies, Technology, and Entrepreneurs Play a Role,” the forum featured a powerhouse lineup of speakers:
- Amos Thien, Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Sabah
- Dato’ George Lim, Founder, GA Group
- Saila Saidie, Waste Management & Recycled Products Specialist
- Deric Chiew, Director, CK Ecosystem
Moderated by Yens Chong Yen Kai, PUMM Central Committee Member and FAST Movement Initiator, the panel explored how public-private collaboration can unlock real on the ground solutions.
Amos Thien highlighted the need for green manufacturing, especially in emerging sectors like EV battery components.
Dato’ George Lim stressed that green tech knowledge must be shared openly, not kept secret.
Saila Saidie called for more public education, especially in Sabah, to support recycling innovation.
Deric Chiew reminded everyone that real action builds credibility, whether you’re an SME or a non-profit.
ESG and AI as Tools for Future-Ready Businesses
After the panel, Yens Chong drove home a powerful message:
“ESG gives your business purpose. AI gives it speed. Together, they build a responsible and scalable brand.”
His call to action was clear, companies must move beyond compliance and rethink their core business models. The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI), can drive long-term growth and impact.
This message was further amplified during two focused keynote sessions:
- Michael Lim on “Energy Efficiency for Business”
- Thomas Lim on “ESG: Beyond Compliance”
Both urged attendees to shift from awareness to action. Small habit changes can reduce emissions, and true ESG means rewiring how a company thinks, grows, and impacts the world.
FAST’s Bigger Mission for 2025
FAST is not just another forum, it’s a nationwide movement. Led by PUMM, FAST aims to transform how Malaysian SMEs operate, embedding sustainability and innovation into every business layer.
With 15 sessions planned across Malaysia this year, the movement will culminate at the FAST Flagship Summit on 27 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. This ASEAN level summit will gather changemakers from across the region, ready to lead the next era of sustainable business.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, or investor, now is the time to join the movement and be part of the change.
For more information, kindly visit https://pumm.my/
