Tuesday, 5 August 2025

Programme updated as of 21 July 2025

8:30 AM
8:30 AM
ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION
9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
15 MINS
Opening Address by Dato’ Seri Azmir Merican
Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Sime Darby Property Berhad

The proposed opening address will address the following key messages/takeaways:

  • What is urban biodiversity?
  • Why urban biodiversity demands attention now more than ever and the critical importance of urban biodiversity in shaping the built environment.
  • How Sime Darby Property is leading the charge by integrating biodiversity into its townships and developments.
  • Emphasis on the significance of this conference as a platform to inspire action.
  • The importance of bridging the gap between urban biodiversity and city planning in alignment with a broader agenda for sustainable development.
9:50 AM
9:50 AM - 10:10 AM
20 MINS
Royal Address by D.Y.T.M. Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj
D.Y.T.M. Raja Muda Selangor

Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj will deliver a powerful royal address on the importance of protecting urban biodiversity as part of Malaysia's national heritage.

He will highlight how biodiversity is essential for sustainable prosperity and the well-being of future generations.

D.Y.T.M. Raja Muda Selangor will urge businesses, government bodies, and communities to work together to protect and restore Malaysia’s natural environment. The address will emphasize the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in preserving this vital resource.

The key takeaway for the audience is clear: sustainable progress depends on balancing development with biodiversity conservation. It’s a call to action for everyone to play their part in creating a thriving and sustainable future for Malaysia.

10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
45 MINS
Keynote Address by Professor Mariana Mazzucato
Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London
Nature’s Dividend: Unlocking Growth Through Urban Biodiversity

Centered on the vital connection between urban biodiversity, economic growth, and sustainable development. The keynote speaker will explore how biodiversity underpins our planet’s health and its direct impact on businesses, people, and the environment.

This keynote will leave the audience with a bold new perspective on redefining prosperity—one that aligns economic success with environmental sustainability.

It’s an unmissable call to action for leaders to embrace innovative solutions and champion a path toward lasting progress.

11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
15 MINS
REFRESHMENT BREAK
11:20 AM
11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
40 MINS
Featured Address 1 by Dr. Lena Chan
Former Senior Director of International Biodiversity Conservation Division, National Parks Board (NParks) of Singapore
Nurturing Nature in Our Urban Fabric: A Blueprint for Healthier, Sustainable Cities and Lives

Weaving biodiversity into our daily lives is not just desirable, but essential. As humans, we are intrinsically linked to nature, and scientific evidence overwhelmingly proves that engaging with the natural world is fundamental to our physical, mental, and psychological well-being. Considering we spend approximately 90% of our lives within built environments, this presentation will be a vivid exploration of how biodiversity can seamlessly enrich every moment of our urban existence. From the tranquility of our homes to our commutes, workplaces, schools, and leisure spaces, Dr. Chan will illustrate how nature can be an ever-present companion. Through inspiring biophilic examples spanning residential homes, condominiums, industrial estates, shopping malls, hospitals, and even roadsides, attendees will discover tangible ways to foster a harmonious coexistence with nature. The session will conclude by sharing practical guidelines to ensure that biodiversity becomes an enduring, integral part of our lives, paving the way for sustained health and a more sustainable future.

12:05 PM
12:05 PM - 12:25 PM
20 MINS
Featured Address 2 by Afzaa Aziz
Rewilding the City

This session will spotlight urban ecological restoration through the lens of the Elmina Urban Biodiversity Corridor—a collaborative initiative by Sime Darby Property and Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC). The speaker will share practical insights into how degraded urban landscapes can be revitalised to support biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and reconnect communities with nature. The case study will explore the project's goals, implementation strategies, and lessons learned in integrating ecological value into urban development.

12:25 PM
12:25 PM - 1:35 PM
70 MINS
LUNCH
1:40 PM
1:40 PM - 2:55 PM
75 MINS
Panel Session 1
Futureproof Cities: Where Growth Meets Green
Moderator: Michele Kythe Lim, Founding President & Chief Executive Officer of Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM)

Ever wonder how cities can tackle big challenges like climate change and still thrive? This talk reveals how cities are "futureproofing" themselves by building green and smart. Our speakers will share their bold plans for combining new ideas, natural solutions (like parks and green buildings), and community involvement to create cities that are tough, fair, and good for the Earth. You'll see that cities don't have to pick between getting ahead and saving the planet – they can do both!

3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 3:20 PM
20 MINS
Featured Address 3 by Adj. Prof. Ar. Dr. Tan Loke Mun
Specialist Consultant, Rika Reka
Theme: Urban ecological restoration in practice
Roots of Change: Community Leaders Driving Climate Action

Real solutions for climate change often begin in our own neighborhoods. This talk shines a light on the crucial role of local heroes – from community leaders to everyday citizens – who are making big changes from the ground up. Join us to hear inspiring stories of grassroots climate action that are building tough, fair, and sustainable communities. You'll learn how empowering people where they live, work, and connect is key to reaching global climate goals.

3:20 PM
3:20 PM - 3:35 PM
15 MINS
REFRESHMENT BREAK
3:40 PM
3:40 PM - 4:55 PM
75 MINS
Panel Session 2
Green Gains: Investing in Nature’s Value
Moderator: Dato' Ho Kay Tat, Publisher and Group Chief Executive Officer at The Edge Media Group

This talk explains why investing in nature is smart business. We'll show how protecting biodiversity (like diverse plants and animals) can actually boost new ideas, lower risks, and create fresh markets. You'll see real examples and data proving that putting nature first can lead to real profits for businesses, builders, and governments. Nature isn't just a cost; it's an investment with a clear return.

5:00 PM
5:00 PM - 5:15 PM
15 MINS
UB MOU Strategic Partnership Signing
5:20 PM
5:20 PM - 6:05 PM
45 MINS
Fireside Chat
Malaysia's Green Leap

Can nature be a powerhouse for economic growth, or is sustainability just talk? Join us for a chat that tackles this big question head-on. We'll look at real-world examples to see if working with nature – like our forests and rivers – can truly spark new ideas, build stronger communities, and help everyone prosper. You'll get to decide if a nature-friendly future is a real possibility or just a nice idea.

6:10 PM
6:10 PM - 6:25 PM
15 MINS
Closing Address by YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof
Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia

SPEAKER

6:25 PM
6:30 PM
END OF CONFERENCE