As a result of rapid economic growth coupled with the lack of solid waste management infrastructure, the ASEAN region is regarded today as one of the biggest contributors to marine plastic pollution. Along with policymakers, researchers and consumers, the private sector is recognized as a key stakeholder to address this issue. 

This webinar aims to:

• Raise awareness on the current alarming situation surrounding marine plastics and highlight the efforts undertaken by the private sector to tackle this issue from both production and consumption (so-called “upstream”) level to recycling and waste management (so-called "downstream") level.
• Introduce innovative private sector efforts led by young female entrepreneurs from the ASEAN region to encourage the young generation, and inspire particularly young girls, and women to consider entrepreneurship in the environmental field as a viable career option.
• Share innovative good practices from Japan on industry and consumer behavior change and consumer-industry-public sectors dialogue on plastics consumption.
• Highlight the Private Sector Platform launched by the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris of the Economic Resarch Institute For ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and invite private companies operating in the ASEAN+3 region to join the platform.
• Introduce the Entrepreneurship, Start-ups, Innovation Knowledge Lab to the entrepreneurship, startup, and innovation community.

Speakers

• Opening Remarks: Michikazu Kojima, Senior Advisor on Environmental Issues, ERIA
• Ovy Sabrina, Cofounder and Chief Operating Officer, Rebricks (Indonesia)
• Supatchaya Techachoochert, Cofounder, Refill Station (Thailand)
• Juliana Adam, CEO, Biji-biji Initiative (Malaysia)
• Misuzu Asari, Associate Professor, Kyoto University (Japan)
• Moderator: Tiat Jin Ooi, Principal Consultant, Curated Connectors; Lead Consultant, ERIA E-S-I Knowledge Lab
• Closing Remarks: Giulia Ajmone Marsan, Director, Strategy & Partnership, ERIA