KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is set to join Expo 2020 Dubai as Malaysia Pavillion's premier partner to showcase the national energy company's sustainability aspirations and roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Themed "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", the world expo is expected to receive participations from 192 countries and organisations.
It will take place from October 1 this year to March 31, 2022.
Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC) chief executive officer Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor was proud to have one of Malaysia's most successful homegrown brands, Petronas, to be part of its representation at the World Expo.
"Petronas' accomplishments throughout the years and its commitment to help shape climate action beyond its immediate sphere of influence bolsters the nation's credibility in sustainability," he said in a statement today.
Shamsul said corporations would be needed to go further to help build a carbon neutral future for everyone.
He is optimistic that strong partnerships would help move the world closer to a more energy efficient future for all.
Malaysia's participation in Expo 2020 Dubai is led by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry with MGTC as implementing agency.
Petronas president and group chief executive officer Tengku Muhammad Taufik said the partnership with Malaysia Pavilion would provide the opportunity to showcase its commitment and holistic approach to sustainability.
"We are embracing the need to chart a more sustainable path forward, and drive the maturity of our environment, social and governance (ESG) practices as well as realising our net zero carbon emissions by 2050 aspiration," he said.
Petronas said it would have a dedicated exhibition area for six months inside the pavilion featuring a 3D animated effect presentation on its sustainability journey into new energy and innovative solutions.
The visually stunning animation in a giant suspended cube will be a permanent feature throughout the entire Expo 2020 Dubai.
This exhibition aims to inspire visitors with the energy company's vision of a better future through its innovative technologies to provide access to cleaner, affordable, secure, and sustainable energy for all.
Petronas is also expected to take part in panel discussions and business meetings with foreign dignitaries and business leaders at the Pavilion, while also participating in thought leadership forums.
Shamsul Bahar said Petronas' participation as premier partner catalysed its efforts to encourage other Malaysian businesses to leverage Expo 2020 to build its brands' visibility at a global platform.
"While providing an avenue for corporations to join in on the conversation, our objective is also to position Malaysia as a sustainable and future-ready investment hub that is committed to improving how we do business on the day to day," he added.
Malaysia Pavilion is designed as a 'Rainforest Canopy'. The various segments of the Pavilion house permanent displays and exhibits that reflect Malaysia's unique and steadfast commitment to sustainable development.
The pavilion will host weekly thematic trade and business programmes which will encompass over 10 industry verticals.
They include education, youth & technopreneurship, trade, Industry 4.0 & smart manufacturing, science, technology and innovation, environment & water, sustainable agriculture and agricommodities, healthcare, tourism & culture, energy, e-commerce & ICT, halal industry and Islamic finance.
The quinquennial mega event aims at promoting global cooperation, innovation, technological development, human progress and education.
Expo 2020 will officially open on October 1, 2021. Malaysians will have the chance to visit the Pavilion via a virtual platform that will be announced later.