Youth Delegates at the Forefront of Sustainability

On 7 August, the ASEAN Climate Finance Summit 2025 marked a proud milestone for the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), as 34 Bachelor in Banking and Finance students participated as youth delegates.

Image

Nominated by APU’s Career Centre and the School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF), the students—led by SoAF academics Dr Muhammad Umar Islam and Ms Shim Pui Sen—joined policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts in critical discussions on environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies, blended finance, and Malaysia’s green capital market.

Immersed in Real-World Dialogue

Held at the Auditorium of the Securities Commission Malaysia, the Summit convened over 400 participants, including government officials, regulators, corporate leaders, and youth representatives. 

Through keynote speeches, expert panels, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, APU students were exposed to real-world challenges and solutions in sustainable finance, aligning academic knowledge with practical application. 

Inspiring Call for Bold Action

The Summit opened with an address by the Crown Prince of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, who urged the private sector to spearhead climate action. 

He highlighted the pivotal role of financial institutions such as Khazanah, EPF, and PNB in funding renewable energy, low-carbon infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. 

Advocating for stronger ESG regulations and innovative financing mechanisms, he called for proactive investment in climate-smart agriculture, disaster preparedness, and flood mitigation—emphasising prevention over costly recovery.

Malaysia’s Leadership in Green Finance

The Crown Prince also underscored Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable initiatives, from pioneering mangrove restoration to launching the world’s first green sukuk—a sharia-compliant bond dedicated entirely to financing green projects. 

His message highlighted the need to safeguard vulnerable communities, particularly farmers, fishermen, and low-income groups, ensuring that the green transition is both equitable and inclusive.

Hands-On Climate Learning

Beyond plenary sessions, APU students actively engaged in the Interactive Climate Solution Activity, which encouraged them to categorise initiatives into mitigation, adaptation, or both. This practical exercise strengthened their understanding of the policy frameworks and strategies discussed during the panels, bridging theory with real-world application. 

A National Strategy Reinforced

In his closing keynote, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, YAB Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, reaffirmed Malaysia’s whole-of-nation strategy. 

Outlining three pillars—innovative green financing, global sustainability alignment, and robust public-private partnerships—he emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to advancing both mitigation and adaptation through inclusive, cost-effective solutions.

A Transformative Experience for Students

For APU’s youth delegates, the ASEAN Climate Finance Summit 2025 was more than just a conference; it was a transformative learning platform. 

Key takeaways included the promise of blended finance, the potential of Malaysia’s green capital market, and the importance of equitable, region-specific solutions in addressing the climate challenge. 

The experience also underscored the vital role of regional collaboration in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.

Message from the Head of School

Pleased to see her students and academic staff’s participation, Associate Professor Dr Chong Lee Lee, Head of School of Accounting and Finance, remarked:

“APU’s participation in the ASEAN Climate Finance Summit 2025 reflects our commitment to preparing students for the realities of tomorrow. By engaging directly with policymakers and industry experts, our students are not only deepening their knowledge but also gaining the confidence to contribute to meaningful change in the financial and sustainability sectors.”