Sustainable development in Malaysia has been steadily progressing over the years. In supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Malaysia has developed a number of policies and programs to achieve these goals. For example, the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plan emphasised the importance of advancing sustainable economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.

However, the impacts of the climate crisis, the war in Ukraine, a weak global economy, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed weaknesses and hindered progress towards the SGDs.

The question remains on whether these challenges truly hindered Malaysia's journey towards sustainable development, or have they, in some way, catalysed innovation and adaptation in pursuit of these goals?

Joining the discussion is Dave Sivaprasad, Southeast Asia Lead for Climate and Sustainability, Boston Consulting Group, on where Malaysia is right now, how far it is in achieving the country’s SDGs, and ways to progress further beyond 2030?