Tuesday, 5 August 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

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 SDP 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.

The audience will leave with a clear understanding of the vision of GMD and SDPB and our commitment to making impactful changes.

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 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.

RMS 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 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 the International Biodiversity Conservation Division, National Parks Board (NParks) of Singapore
From Concrete to Green: Reinventing the Urban Code

This talk explores how cities can transition from concrete-dominated "grey" landscapes to vibrant, resilient environments that embrace nature as essential urban infrastructure. It reimagines urban planning and urban design by integrating biodiversity, green design, and climate resilience into the very code that shapes our cities. Through bold strategies and real-world examples, the session unveils how rethinking zoning laws, architecture, and public space design can unlock healthier, more liveable, and future-ready cities — where ecosystems and economies grow side by side.

12:05 PM
12:05 PM - 12:50 PM
45 MINS
Fireside Chat
Minister of Natural Resources & Environmental Sustainability
Moderator: Shahril Hamdan, Senior Advisor, GP Bullhound and Founder/Managing Director at Watchtower Advisory
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.

12:50 PM
12:50 PM - 2:00 PM
70 MINS
LUNCH
2:05 PM
2:05 PM - 3:20 PM
75 MINS
Panel Session #1
Futureproof Cities: Where Growth Meets Green
    Panelist:
  1. Dato' Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur
  2. Dato’ Shah Redza Hussin, CEO of Malaysia Forest Fund
  3. Dr Dr Dzaeman Dzulkifli. Executive Director, TRCRC
  4. KIV
Moderator: Michele Kythe Lim , President and CEO 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!

3:25 PM
3:25 PM - 3:45 PM
20 MINS
Featured Speaker #2
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.

3:45 PM
3:45PM - 4:00PM
15 MINS
REFRESHMENT BREAK
4:05 PM
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM
20 MINS
Featured Speaker #3 by Afzaa Aziz
Specialist Consultant, Rika Reka
Theme: Urban ecological restoration in practice
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 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.

4:25 PM
4:25 PM - 5:40 PM
75 MINS
Panel Session #2
Green Gains: Investing in Nature’s Value
    Panelist:
  1. Tan Sri Wahid Omar ,Chairman Bursa Malaysia Berhad
  2. Dato’ Rizal Rickman Ramli,Deputy President and Group CEO of PNB, Chairman of SDP
  3. Effendy Shahul Hamid, Advisor to Group CEO CIMB
  4. Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata Group Berhad
Moderator: Dato' Ho Kay Tat , Publisher and Group CEO 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.

5:45 PM
5:45 PM - 6:05 PM
20 MINS
UB MOU Strategic Partnership Signing
6:05 PM
6:05 PM - 6:20 PM
15 MINS
Closing Address by YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof
Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
6:20 PM
6:20 PM
END OF CONFERENCE

Programme updated as of 19 June 2025