Can Business Lead Climate Action? Insights from a Malaysian Sustainability Forum

A recent forum hosted by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and Friends of Sustainable Malaysia tackled a tough question: who should drive the shift from the linear take-make-waste economy to a circular one? While many pointed to government regulation, panelists argued that business holds the capital, supply chains, and engineering talent to lead. The article highlights that some companies have already proven circular models profitable, and the real barrier is first-mover fear, not economics. The discussion also noted that younger consumers are already voting with their wallets against single-use plastics and fast fashion. The author argues that business does not need permission to change, it needs to stop asking for a guarantee. The piece calls for more conversations like this to build buy-in from business, consumers, and government to meet Malaysia's National Planetary Health Action Plan targets.