Malaysia pushes clean tech and innovation for growth

Malaysia is accelerating its transition to a low-carbon and digitally driven economy by channelling investments into green technologies and innovation.

At the National Economic Forum 2025, Minister Chang Lih Kang outlined the country’s strategy to support sustainable growth through carbon management, hydrogen energy, green materials and circular economic models.

The government is also exploring advanced nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors to support decarbonisation and enhance research, talent development and technology transfer.

A 17% increase in private R&D investment last year, mainly in clean energy and digital health, has helped build investor confidence. Authorities are now encouraging further growth through co-investment strategies, grants and collaborative innovation platforms.

Malaysia’s National Biotechnology Policy is also supporting biopharmaceuticals and agricultural biotech, in line with sustainability and ESG objectives. The Malaysian government aims to create a resilient, inclusive and innovation-driven economy for the next phase of regional development.

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Apple tries makes climate progress with greener supply chain

Apple has made progress in reducing its environmental impact, according to the company’s own latest environmental progress report.

Its total greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 800,000 metric tons in 2024, marking a 5 percent reduction from the previous year.

Over the last decade, Apple has cut its global emissions by more than 60 percent, an achievement as emissions from other tech firms continue to rise due to the growing demands of AI.

The reduction stems from efforts to use renewable energy, increase recycling, and work with suppliers to cut emissions. Apple reported that its suppliers collectively avoided nearly 24 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions last year through cleaner energy and improved efficiency.

The company is also tackling highly potent fluorinated gases used in making semiconductors and displays, with all direct display suppliers and 26 semiconductor partners committing to reducing such emissions by at least 90 percent.

Recycled materials played a larger role in Apple’s products in 2024, making up nearly a quarter of all materials used. Notably, 80 percent of the rare earth elements and most of the tungsten, cobalt, and aluminium used came from recycled sources.

Despite these efforts, Apple still generated 15.3 million metric tons of CO₂ last year, though it aims to reduce emissions by 75 percent from 2015 levels by 2030 and eliminate 90 percent by 2050 to meet international climate goals.

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