Co-Creation Panel Discussion for ASEAN-Japan Sustainability & Decarbonization

■Session Information:

• Session Name: Panel Discussion 2.2A ASEAN-Japan x Sustainability & Decarbonization

• Place: ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit 2024, International Conference Center Kyoto,  Annex Hall A

• Date: 20th December 2024

■Moderator:

• Gareth Wong

  • Head of Group Strategy & Projects Sembcorp Industries Ltd.

  • Singapore

■Speakers:

• Michael Widjaja

  • Group CEO Sinar Mas Land

  • Indonesia

• Rei Murakami

  • President Kadan Capital

  • Japan

• Chikako Kurokawa

  • Founder and CEO ESA Inc.

  • Japan

• Ahmad Fathi

  • Founder Fatih Aquaculture / Alya Playhouse

  • Brunei

■Panel Discussion:

The Moderator and Speakers

Gareth Wong opened the discussion by highlighting the broad relevance of sustainability and decarbonization across various industries. He invited the panelists to introduce themselves and share their thoughts on how these themes relate to their businesses.

• Ahmad Fathi introduced his ventures in aquaculture, highlighting a Japanese government-supported initiative to develop a sustainable floating hatchery.

  

  
  

• Rei Murakami shared his perspective from the venture capital sector, noting increased investment interest in sustainability and renewable energy solutions across Southeast Asia.

  

  
  

• Chikako Kurokawa detailed ESA Inc.’s work in recycling composite plastics, emphasizing the need for scalable circular economy solutions.

  

  
  

• Michael Widjaja explained how Sinar Mas Land incorporates sustainability in urban planning, from plastic recycling programs to energy-efficient building designs.

  

  
  

■ASEAN-Japan Collaboration Opportunities

The discussion transitioned to how ASEAN and Japan can collaborate on sustainability:

• Michael Widjaja emphasized the importance of circular and inclusive economies in urban planning, including community programs to exchange plastic waste for essentials and using recycled plastics in infrastructure.

• Chikako Kurokawa shared how ESA Inc.’s recycling technology could bridge Japan and ASEAN, promoting collaboration on composite plastic recycling and sustainability.

• Rei Murakami highlighted the potential of ASEAN’s carbon credit market, advocating for Japan to streamline trade mechanisms for better scalability.

• Ahmad Fathi pointed to Brunei’s growing interest in technology transfers and sustainability practices, underscoring the need for collaboration to close the technology gap.

■Green Premium and Consumer Behavior

The panel tackled whether consumers and businesses are ready to pay a "green premium" for sustainable practices:

• Rei Murakami argued that incentivization is crucial, suggesting carbon taxes and market mechanisms to shift behaviors.

• Chikako Kurokawa shared her challenges with convincing Japanese businesses to invest in sustainable materials, contrasting Japan’s slower adoption with Europe’s progressive regulations.

• Michael Widjaja noted that in Indonesia, sustainability initiatives must be driven by top-down policies and financial incentives like green financing.

• Ahmad Fathi emphasized the importance of educating Brunei’s consumers to shift mindsets toward sustainability.

■Cultural Influences on Sustainability

An audience member highlighted the cultural significance of sustainability, referencing Japan’s "mottainai" concept.

• Chikako Kurokawa reflected on the global relevance of "mottainai" and the importance of revisiting cultural values to promote sustainability.

• Michael Widjaja humorously noted cultural habits leading to both sustainable and unsustainable outcomes, such as overconsumption.

• Ahmad Fathi shared Brunei’s food culture and its impact on waste generation.

• Rei Murakami observed younger generations embracing sustainability trends like vintage fashion, showcasing behavioral shifts.

■Closing Remarks

The panel concluded with closing remarks on strengthening ASEAN-Japan collaboration:

• Chikako Kurokawa urged for more government-led schemes like JCM to integrate Japanese technologies with ASEAN’s labor and resources.

• Michael Widjaja called for greater involvement from financial institutions to drive green initiatives in Indonesia.

• Rei Murakami reiterated the importance of improving carbon credit trading frameworks between Japan and ASEAN.

• Ahmad Fathi emphasized the need for exposure, planning, and execution to foster a sustainable future together.

Moderator Gareth Wong wrapped up by thanking the panelists and audience, emphasizing the importance of forums like this in fostering cross-border collaboration. The session ended with a call for action and a shared vision of sustainability-driven growth.

■Join the Movement

The ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit is not just an event but a call to action for fostering innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions to shared challenges. As we continue to build a stronger, more connected future, we invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in driving impactful change across ASEAN and Japan. To explore collaboration opportunities or to become part of this dynamic initiative, please contact PoliPoli’s secretariat at:

asean-japan-business-leaders-summit@polipoli.io

Together, let’s shape a future of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.