Go Global 2.0: Connect Conference” – Navigating Into the Future Regenerative Economy, the new Economy Model – Opportunities and Challenges

The “Go Global 2.0: Connect Conference” was presented by the Junior Chamber International Johor Bahru Entrepreneur (JCI JBE) in partnership with Start IIX and Jobbuilder. The transformative idea of a Regenerative Economy was underlined by the event, which echoed Johor’s economic objectives to become a high-income state based on economic models that prioritise sustainability, resilience, and equity.

The conference, themed “Navigating into the Future – Regenerative Economy, the New Economic Model,” aims to enlighten those in attendance on the principles and practises of a Regenerative Economy while refining Johor’s entrepreneurs’ understanding and a shift in thinking from a linear, businesslike approach to a circular, regenerative one through an awareness of the interdependencies and feedback loops between social, environmental, and economic systems. 

The significance of innovation as one of the key forces behind the regenerative economy was also stressed at the conference. In order to capitalise on this new economic model, it is important to develop new technologies, business models, and approaches to economic development that give priority to sustainability and regeneration. Stakeholders, industry professionals, startups, and entrepreneurs should embrace innovation.

Special guests provided their in-depth knowledge at the conference. Prof Simon See from NVIDIA discussed how AI is a major force behind the new economic theories. MRANTI’s Safuan Zairi gave a presentation on how innovation can support global corporate expansion. Regenerative business goes beyond typical corporate social responsibility by having a positive influence on the environment, society, and the bottom line, according to Prof Dr Ong Kian Ming, the former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

“Our ambition is not just progress for the sake of economic development, but progress that is economically equitable, sustainable, and resilient,” noted Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, Johor State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Human Resources Committee Chairman. 

“We support JCI JBE’s and its partners endeavour and view it as a pivotal initiative towards catalysing the Plan Pembangunan Mampan Johor 2030,” he added. 

The older “use and throw” approach is replaced by the regenerative economy, which prioritises renewable and regenerative resources while incorporating social, environmental, and economic considerations into decision-making processes. It tries to address significant problems that we currently face, such as climate change, resource scarcity, or unequal wealth distribution in society.

“JCI JBE’s vision has always been to inspire a generation of leaders who can catalyse positive change. This conference embodies that vision, promoting a sustainable and inclusive economic blueprint that benefits both the community and our planet,” said Jonas Gwee, Organising Chairman of the Go Global 2.0: Connect Conference.

As Lih Chun Hoe, President of JCI JBE, highlighted, “With the world in flux and the urgencies of climate change knocking on our doors, the time is ripe for Johor and Malaysia, to embrace a transformative economic paradigm. JCI JBE, with its partners, aims to be at the forefront of this change.”

JCI’s partner, Start IIX is the appointed business ecosystem curator and operator for Innovation  Impact Xchange (IIX) at MENARA JLAND. IIX is the platform for entrepreneurs and corporates to converge, collaborate and innovate with impact. It is tasked to develop corporate entrepreneurship, innovation and education with a focus on delivering the  Sustainable Development Goals.

Another partner, Jobbuilder, is a premier recruitment agency based in Iskandar Malaysia, the Southern Development Corridor. Established in 2010, Jobbuiler is a boutique recruitment firm that sources local and international talents across Malaysia. An award-winning recruitment agency in Malaysia. Jobbuilder’s dedication to excellence has earned several prestigious awards, including the Best Specialist Recruitment Agency (Gold Winner), Most Innovative Recruitment Strategy – Solution Provider (Gold Winner), and Recruitment Agency of the Year (under 50 employees) (Bronze Winner).

The event featured renowned speakers from a variety of fields who shared insightful information on the fundamental principles of the regenerative economy, including innovation, talent in the new economy, long-term prosperity, mindset transformation, and the new business model.

Talent Career Fair with 20 talent and exhibition booths has also been erected throughout the event.