CEO Insights Magazine

Consulting on sustainability and the environment is essential for assisting governments and businesses in navigating the challenges of balancing environmental responsibility and economic growth. Sustainability and Environment Consultants develop solutions that enhance resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support long-term sustainability objectives. Datuk Hasni Mohammad, Chairman of the Johor Sustainability Center, exemplifies this role through his leadership in driving Johor’s sustainability agenda. Under his guidance, Johor has implemented structured environmental policies, including the Johor Green Deal, to align the state’s growth with sustainable development goals.

The establishment of the Johor Sustainability Center and the introduction of the Johor Green Deal, also known as the Green Sustainability Blueprint, are examples of how Johor has taken a more organised approach to environmental stewardship under his direction. Datuk Hasni is now concentrating on integrating Johor's sustainability initiatives with national frameworks and creating the state's 2030 plan to ensure balanced, sustainable growth, drawing on his prior experience as chief minister, where he oversaw initiatives like the vaccination campaigns and the reopening of the Johor-Singapore border.

In a close interview with us, Datuk shared his impressive journey and also several strategies he implemented during his several successful ventures.

What key event marked a turning point in Johor's sustainability efforts, and how did the Johor Sustainability Center come into being?

Hosting the Asia Pacific Climate Week in 2023 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was a defining moment in Johor’s sustainability journey. This event gave us the platform to showcase our commitment to sustainability and align our efforts with international climate change goals. It was a pivotal step that reinforced our dedication to addressing climate challenges and building a more sustainable future.

One of the key milestones during the event was the formal establishment of the Johor Sustainability Center. Our primary objective with this centre is to execute and promote the core goals of the Asia Pacific Climate Week. This marks the beginning of a more structured and organized approach to sustainability in Johor, strengthening our role in the global climate change agenda.

Alongside the launch of the Johor Sustainability Center, we also introduced the Johor Green Deal, also known as the Green Sustainability Blueprint. This comprehensive framework will guide our policies, projects, and initiatives, ensuring that Johor moves toward a greener and more sustainable future.

To lead this initiative, the Johor Green Council, chaired by the Chief Minister, will oversee the implementation of the Green Sustainability Blueprint. The Johor Sustainability Center will play a crucial role in facilitating various sustainability initiatives and providing advisory support. With this effort, we are aligning with Malaysia’s national climate policies and positioning Johor as a regional leader in sustainable development.

How does the Johor Sustainability Center promote sustainability and engage both local and international stakeholders?

At the Johor Sustainability Center, we actively collaborate with regional and global stakeholders to drive sustainability forward. To ensure that our initiatives align with Johor’s objectives and are successfully implemented, we work closely with the state ministries, agencies, and businesses.

On an international level, we represent Johor at high-profile climate conferences like COP 28 and COP 29, where we engage in discussions on sustainability and contribute to global climate action efforts. Domestically, we connect with stakeholders and local communities through forums, seminars, and workshops. One of our key initiatives, the Youth Sustainability Forum brings together young leaders from ASEAN nations to exchange ideas and strategies for advancing sustainability.

By involving all levels of society and aligning with both regional and global sustainability goals, we are ensuring that sustainability is a shared responsibility, one that we must all work together to achieve.

What strategies and initiatives has the Johor Sustainability Center implemented to promote sustainability and climate change solutions?

At the Johor Sustainability Center, we are actively addressing climate change and advancing sustainability through key initiatives. As part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), we were established to drive sustainability efforts across the region, and in November 2023, we hosted the Asia Pacific Climate Week, marking a major milestone in our journey. One of our most impactful strategies has been the introduction of the Johor Green Deal, a comprehensive sustainability plan that serves as the foundation for our state policies. We are committed to implementing solutions such as reforestation, energy efficiency, and the adoption of renewable energy sources while fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Tackling challenges like flood control, carbon reduction, and sustainable development requires collective action, which is why we organize forums, participate in global conferences like COP 28 and COP 29, and build strategic partnerships with organizations that share our vision. By working together, we are shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for Johor and beyond.

How does the Johor Sustainability Center collaborate with various organizations and agencies to ensure the success of its projects, including the Johor Special Economic Zone?

At the Johor Sustainability Center, we drive success by fostering collaboration with a wide range of local and global partners. We work closely with state agencies, local governments and the private sector to align efforts on sustainability and climate goals. Through memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with experts in areas like reforestation and energy efficiency, we ensure projects are executed and monitored effectively. For example, we’ve partnered with the Iskandar Regional Development Authority and Johor Bahru City Council to improve built environment efficiency and collaborate with industries to promote low-carbon technologies. We also oversee MOU implementation, support problem-solving, and ensure compliance with sustainability regulations.

Datuk Hasni Mohammad, Chairman, Johor Sustainability Centre

Datuk Hasni Mohammad is the Johor Sustainability Centre's (JSC) chairman. He is an engineer and politician from Malaysia who has served in several important positions in the state of Johor. As chairman, Hasni is committed to promoting the Johor Green Deal and encouraging cooperation between industry, academia, and other stakeholders to propel the state's sustainability projects.