(Kuching, 16th) — Sarawak’s efforts toward a circular economy and sustainable development have made an international debut—Datuk Wong Hung Seng, Mayor of Kuching South City, delivered a keynote speech at the “2025 International Mayors Forum” held in Japan from October 14 to 16, showcasing Sarawak's achievements in promoting a circular economy and a zero waste society.
Wong Hung Seng, with the topic “Promoting a Circular Economy Towards Zero Waste and a Resilient Society: The Kuching Experience”, shared how Sarawak has achieved sustainable development goals through innovation, public-private partnerships, and community-wide participation.
He stated that Sarawak’s circular economy initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, including converting palm kernel waste into biomass, animal feed, and biofuel, as well as exploring the production of hydrogen from livestock waste. All these are aligned with Sarawak’s direction of expanding green technology.
Wong pointed out that these plans echo the “Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030” (PCDS 2030), placing circular economic growth and environmental governance at the heart of Sarawak’s sustainable development agenda.
The forum, organized by the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) under the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), brought together city councils and local government representatives from 39 countries to exchange experiences on sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
He also shared Kuching South’s experience in improving waste management through several initiatives, including the iBuyBack recycling application, community waste recycling campaigns, and a data-driven waste tracking system.
“We believe sustainable development begins at the local level. When citizens, businesses, and the government work hand-in-hand, waste can be transformed into treasure, and challenges can be turned into opportunities for the benefit of future generations,” he said.
He concluded by stating that Kuching South’s participation in the international forum reflects Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable growth and the practice of a circular economy.
Wong Hung Seng, with the topic “Promoting a Circular Economy Towards Zero Waste and a Resilient Society: The Kuching Experience”, shared how Sarawak has achieved sustainable development goals through innovation, public-private partnerships, and community-wide participation.
He stated that Sarawak’s circular economy initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, including converting palm kernel waste into biomass, animal feed, and biofuel, as well as exploring the production of hydrogen from livestock waste. All these are aligned with Sarawak’s direction of expanding green technology.
Wong pointed out that these plans echo the “Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030” (PCDS 2030), placing circular economic growth and environmental governance at the heart of Sarawak’s sustainable development agenda.
The forum, organized by the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) under the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), brought together city councils and local government representatives from 39 countries to exchange experiences on sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
He also shared Kuching South’s experience in improving waste management through several initiatives, including the iBuyBack recycling application, community waste recycling campaigns, and a data-driven waste tracking system.
“We believe sustainable development begins at the local level. When citizens, businesses, and the government work hand-in-hand, waste can be transformed into treasure, and challenges can be turned into opportunities for the benefit of future generations,” he said.
He concluded by stating that Kuching South’s participation in the international forum reflects Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable growth and the practice of a circular economy.