ASEAN Biodiversity Science Forum 2026

How "green" are Southeast Asia’s green buildings when it comes to biodiversity and ecosystems? At the ASEAN Biodiversity Science Forum 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (30 Sep – 1 Oct), Master's by Research student Sin Ching presented her poster titled “Assessing the potential of green buildings in Southeast Asia to contribute to positive biodiversity outcomes.”

Her research revealed a key gap in current urban design: local green building certification schemes across Southeast Asia currently feature very few biodiversity-specific criteria. Sin Ching emphasised that to move beyond energy efficiency and truly reverse urban nature loss, green building standards must actively prioritise habitat protection and ecological restoration.

Sin Ching with her poster showcasing green building assessment

The forum brought together researchers, government delegates, and non-governmental organisations across the region, providing great inspiration to continue working towards the goal of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. It was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas across ASEAN. Congratulations, Sin Ching, on a great presentation!

The event closed with an inspiring field trip to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), showcasing how 100 years of sustained restoration transformed severely degraded land into a thriving, mature forest. A powerful living reminder of what long-term ecological restoration and patience can achieve for nature.

Photo of the forest, taken during the field trip