At the 1th BEMSS Keynote Speaker Session, Dr. Leong Choi Meng from Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus, Malaysia delivered a speech about "The Regenerative Shift: Catalyzing a Green Economy". The participants were all excited to learn new insights from Dr. Leong Choi Meng and are welcomed to share their insight or ask question in this forum:Q1: Usman Mohammed:
What policies and regulations can government implement to support the development of a green economy?
Answer: The support could be in terms of the green technology tax incentive such as green investment tax allowance assets, green income tax exemption services, tax incentive for manufacturers of EV charging equipment, tax deduction etc.
How can international cooperation and agreements facilitate the transition to a green economy?
Answer: Every year, countries who have joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meet to measure progress and negotiate multilateral responses to climate change. Today there are 198 Parties to the Convention.
Q2: Sofia Mariz De Guzman:
I would like to ask if how can the airline business sector adopt regenerative practices to promote sustainability for our generation?
Answer: Transition to circular design—everything used onboard (food packaging, uniforms, furniture) is recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable.AI and data can help optimize flight paths, reduce fuel use, and improve load balancing — reducing emissions significantly.
Q3: Yvett Yumanlag Masinaring (Western Philippines University):
In your view, what are the most pressing research gaps in the field of regenerative economics, particularly in the context of rural and agricultural development?
Answer:
Ecotourism:
Visitors contribute to ecosystem restoration (e.g. replanting native species, supporting wildlife corridors). Tourism revenue funds can be used to fund local regenerative farming or conservation programs. Also, lodges can be built by using bioclimatic, circular design with renewable energy and composting systems.
Ecological Agriculture:
Ecological or regenerative agriculture restores soil health, captures carbon, supports biodiversity, and often revives Indigenous or ancestral food systems.
Q4: Maurits Sipayung (Mulia University Samarinda, Indonesia):
Regarding business models in the era of digital disruption with the development of AI, data science, and big data, and the changing generations (Z, Alpha, etc.), how do we build a regenerative business model by adopting these conditions related to the attitudes and behavior of the Young Generation and what are their roles and responsibilities?
Answer: Many in Gen Z and Alpha are using entrepreneurial thinking to solve social and environmental problems. Their roles could include: Creating regenerative start-ups or social enterprises. Using AI and data tools to develop real-world regenerative solutions.
Q5: Michael Gibaga:
How can governments incentivize businesses to adopt regenerative practices instead of just compliance-based sustainability?
Answer: The support could be in terms of the green technology tax incentive such as green investment tax allowance assets, green income tax exemption services, tax incentive for manufacturers of EV charging equipment, tax deduction etc.
Q6: Ryan R. Pecson:
What is the best way to transpire the theories and principles of regenerative economic models into meaningful applications to the communities?
Answer: The business could look into value proposition, value creation & delivery and value capture.
Value proposition – how a business could move from quantitative measures (e.g. profit) to qualitative indicators such as health and well-being.
Value Creation & Delivery – How business could explore alternative capital such as the natural capital (e.g. ecological economics); redistribution of profits & investments into communities & natural ecosystems, be diversify and inclusive.
Value capture – honest assessment of social cost of a company products & services.
Recommended reference of the article for reading: Konietzko, J., Das, A., & Bocken, N. (2023). Towards regenerative business models: A necessary shift?. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 38, 372-388.
Q7: Rechelle Sabalza (City Government, Philippines):
What incentives or support mechanisms can governments and institutions provide to encourage regenerative practices in both public and private sectors?
Answer: The support could be in terms of the green technology tax incentive such as green investment tax allowance assets, green income tax exemption services, tax incentive for manufacturers of EV charging equipment, tax deduction etc.
For public sector, it would be good to establish the ecosystem that could be implemented in either public or private sector.
Q8: Loo Yew Liang (Malaysia):
What kind of AI-driven tools can be applied in this regenerative considerations?
Answer: The AI tools used could be varies for different industries such as health, agriculture, education etc. For instance: Soil Health Monitoring AI uses satellite and sensor data to assess carbon levels, erosion risk, and biodiversity.
Technologies are used to support regenerative business model such as IoT, Blockchain etc.
Recommended reading reference: https://www.sarawak.gov.my/media/attachments/PCDS_Compressed_22_July_2021.pdf
Q9: Fajar Setyaning Dwi Putra (Jakarta, Indonesia):
How does the concept of a regenerative economy differ from a traditional green economy, and what are the implications for long-term sustainability?
Answer: Sustainable business model focuses on triple bottom line and is used to mitigate negative impacts on the natural environment & communities affected by business operations.
Regenerative business model focuses on planetary health & societal well being, which includes integrated & interdependent systems of natural ecosystems & human societies.
All audience are also welcome to ask question in this forum. Thank you.
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