CSR, practical sustainability key cores of Maceos Green Initiatives

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(From left) CIS Network project director Yuhanis Latif, Rogers Malaysia managing director Chris Smith, Mertens, Lim, MACEOS-CSR-Green Initiatives Sub-Committee chairman Eric Ho, and Maceos chief executive officer Amos YC Wong gather for a photo during Archidex 2015.

(From left) CIS Network project director Yuhanis Latif, Rogers Malaysia managing director Chris Smith, Mertens, Lim, MACEOS-CSR-Green Initiatives Sub-Committee chairman Eric Ho, and Maceos chief executive officer Amos YC Wong gather for a photo during Archidex 2015.

KUALA LUMPUR: The 16th International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (Archidex) supports the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (Maceos)’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, namely the ‘Maceos Green Initiatives’

The Archidex ran from Aug 12 to 15 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

On the programme, Maceos will be collaborating with the ‘Biji-Biji Initiative’ – a Malaysian social enterprise that champions progressive ideas and sustainable living through the creative reuse of discarded materials.

In a press statement yesterday, it mentioned that under the green initiatives, all PVC and tarpaulin banners used during the four-day Archidex 2015 would be collected and transformed into trendy tote bags.

Durable, handmade and one-of-a-kind, these bags would come in a variety of colours and patterns to offer a fun and fresh approach to recycling.

All proceeds raised from the sale of these bags would go towards the ‘Biji-Biji Initiative’.

The programme also marks the first CSR activity undertaken by Maceos, which represents major stakeholders in Malaysia’s thriving meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) industry

“The ‘Maceos Green Initiatives’ aims to support our industry partners to stage events and exhibitions with consciousness and commitment towards our environment. I urge all industry partners to support our efforts, and we are always ready to hear fresh approaches and solutions,” said Maceos president cum C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd chief Dato’ Vincent Lim, the joint organiser of Archidex 2015.

“In representing our vibrant business and leisure events industry, Maceos and Archidex believe in continuously challenging the norm in the way we operate. We live and work in an increasingly challenging, complex and connected landscape today. It is only through a fierce and passionate commitment towards creativity and excellence can we thrive and remain relevant in meeting the needs of tomorrow.

“Recycling advertising banners into something artistic and wholly practical is the first step we are taking towards creating a more environmentally friendly events industry.”

Under the Maceos Green Initiatives, industry partners including professional conventions and exhibitions organisers, venue owners and operators as well as contractors, would be committed towards reducing carbon footprints during the staging of business and leisure events.

An official ‘Green Events’ logo will be accorded to events that meet the criteria set by Maceos.

Archidex, a trade exhibition drawing over 33,000 local and international delegates and visitors annually, is expected to generate much interest among the region’s architects, interior designers, developers, urban planners and industry professionals.

The other joint-organiser is the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM).

“We are delighted to collaborate with Maceos in setting the momentum for other players in the Mice industry,” said Matthieu Mertens who is a partner, head of systems and electronics of ‘Biji-Biji Initiative’.

“As a social enterprise, we aim to involve as many people as we can in our projects. The effort to care for our world is a burden upon everyone’s shoulders, after all. Each time someone purchases one of our products, they contribute points to our organisation. These points help us to provide enterprising opportunities to more people and amplify the social impact we aspire to make.”

Mertens said these ‘Banner Tote Bags’ made from discarded advertising tarpaulin could offer a creative solution for the global waste problem.

“There are countless creative ways we can up-cycle fashionable and useful everyday objects from discarded items. All that’s required is an open mind and a willingness to look at waste from a different perspective,” he said.