KUALA LUMPUR: Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia, successfully organized the Biogas Towards Carbon Neutrality Workshop today at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and environmental experts from both countries to strengthen cooperation in biogas development, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, and carbon neutrality, according to a press release.
The workshop served as a platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership building between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea in support of global climate action and sustainable development goals. Approximately 90 participants attended the event, representing government agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and private sector companies from both countries.
The event was officiated by YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), and attended by H.E. Yeo Seung-bae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia, Mr. Seo Seung-Myeong, Director General of Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco), and Mr. Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation).
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Korea Environment Corporation and Bioeconomy Corporation. The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation in the biogas sector, including knowledge sharing, technical collaboration, policy exchange, capacity building, project development, research and innovation, and the promotion of sustainable bioenergy solutions.
H.E. Yeo Seung-bae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia, highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two countries and the importance of collaborative climate action and low-carbon development.
“Climate change is a global challenge that requires international cooperation and collective action. The Republic of Korea highly values its partnership with Malaysia in promoting sustainable development and carbon neutrality. I am pleased to see government agencies, industry leaders, and experts from both countries come together to discuss practical solutions in the biogas sector and explore further cooperation under shared climate goals.”
The Republic of Korea has accumulated extensive experience in transforming food waste, livestock manure, and sewage sludge into renewable energy resources, while Malaysia possesses significant biomass and biogas potential through its agricultural and palm oil sectors, including POME-based biogas. The workshop highlighted opportunities to combine these complementary strengths through future technical cooperation, investment, and commercialization initiatives.
Mr. Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of Bioeconomy Corporation, noted that the collaboration comes at a time of growing global interest in sustainable bioenergy and circular economy solutions.
“Globally, billions of tonnes of organic waste are generated each year, yet less than five per cent of sustainable feedstock potential is currently utilised for biogas and biomethane production. This presents a significant opportunity for countries like Malaysia and the Republic of Korea to work together in transforming waste into value through innovation, knowledge exchange, and expertise sharing, while unlocking new economic and environmental pathways for both countries.”
In his opening remarks, Mr. Seo Seung-Myeong, Director General of K-eco, emphasized the growing importance of biogas as a practical solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy. He highlighted K-eco’s extensive experience in implementing Korea’s environmental policies, including greenhouse gas reduction programs, support for the Korea Emissions Trading Scheme (K-ETS), international cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and the promotion of biogas production by converting organic waste into renewable energy resources.
“Korea and Malaysia share a common commitment to building a sustainable future. Through today’s MOU and workshop, we hope to expand practical cooperation in biogas development, greenhouse gas reduction, and the low-carbon transition, while contributing to carbon neutrality and long-term environmental sustainability in both countries,” said Mr. Seo.
Mr. Seo also reaffirmed K-eco’s commitment to supporting environmental cooperation across Southeast Asia and promoting partnerships among governments, local authorities, research institutions, and industry stakeholders. The successful organization of the Biogas Towards Carbon Neutrality Workshop and the signing of the MOU reflect the shared commitment of Malaysia and the Republic of Korea to advance bilateral cooperation and accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon future.
