At the press conference were (seated from left) Muztaza, Yam, FD Iskandar, Ng and Seing Liong and (standing) representative of GreenRE, Rehda Institute and sponsors.

PETALING JAYA: As the realities of global warming become ever more tangible, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword or a box to tick: It is becoming a fundamental way of life. Against this backdrop, the International Green Build Conference (IGBC) 2025 returns as Malaysia’s premier platform to accelerate the shift toward sustainable, climate-resilient urban living.

In a preview event held today (June 18), co-organisers GreenRE and Rehda Institute reaffirmed Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable development. IGBC 2025, themed Adaptation Through Sustainable Innovation, will take place on August 19, 2025, at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

It is expected to draw over 800 delegates from across government, industry and academia, both locally and regionally, said GreenRE chairman Datuk Seri FD Iskandar. Also present at the event were Rehda Institute chairman Datuk Jeffrey Ng and trustees Datuk Muztaza Mohamad and Datuk Ng Seing Liong, GreenRE director Datuk Seri Michael Yam and representatives of Alliance Bank, Kansai Paint, Progressture Solar and other sponsors.

The event comes at a pivotal moment for Malaysia as it takes on the Asean chairmanship and begins its tenure as president of the UN-Habitat Assembly (2025–2029). These developments underscore Malaysia’s growing role on the global sustainability stage and highlight the strategic significance of IGBC 2025 as a showcase of national policy innovation, environmental, social and governance (ESG)-driven development  and inclusive urban planning.

“This year’s conference is a reflection of Malaysia’s regional and global commitment to sustainable development,” said FD Iskandar. “Through IGBC 2025, we hope to not only drive impactful dialogue but also catalyse real solutions for climate adaptation, green technology integration, and inclusive urban planning.”

The conference is expected to be graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

More than just a conference

FD Iskandar also announced two exciting additions to expand the conference’s reach and relevance, namely:

• An interactive exhibition hall will spotlight real-world green innovations and technologies that support carbon reduction, urban resilience and net-zero goals.
• A collaboration with over 10 Malaysian universities, involving more than RM100,000 in sponsorships, will enable students and academic staff to participate in the conference, bridging industry-academia gaps and cultivating the next generation of green builders and sustainability champions.

“These additions mark a bold step forward in expanding IGBC’s impact—not just to today’s industry players, but to tomorrow’s leaders,” FD Iskandar added.

IGBC 2025 will feature an esteemed lineup of speakers such as Zaha Hadid Architects associate director Shao-wei Huang from, UK Parliament architect Catharine Arul Dass and Ally Logistics managing director Keren Liu, among other thought leaders in sustainability and urban innovation.

Building on the momentum of last year’s edition, which included participation from over 15 local authorities, this year’s conference will welcome representatives from more than 25 local councils, strengthening the public sector’s commitment to sustainable urban development. Post-conference sustainability tours will provide participants with firsthand insights at leading green landmarks such as Malaysia’s tallest building Merdeka 118, Gamuda Cove’s Wetlands Arboretum, Sunway International School and Sime Darby Property’s City of Elmina.

IGBC 2025 aligns closely with key national and regional frameworks, including Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the Low Carbon Cities Framework and Asean’s sustainable urbanisation goals. In a region grappling with the effects of climate change, rapid urbanisation and infrastructure deficits, the conference stands as a critical platform for knowledge sharing, policy alignment and cross-sector collaboration.

In a world where sustainability is becoming a necessity rather than a choice, IGBC 2025 aims to turn urgency into action, ambition into outcomes and awareness into lasting impact. For more information, visit https://igbc.com.my/

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