By Prof. Dr. Billy Tang Chee Seng
Founder & CEO, PWD Smart FarmAbility (Malaysia)
Dean of Sustainability, Food Security & ESG, Wilmington Metropolitan University (Malaysia Chapter)
On 20 November 2025, I had the honour of serving as a panelist at the Leading Women of Africa (LWA) – G20 Webinar Series, under the theme “Energy Transition and the Just Future: Financing Africa’s Green Ambition.” This landmark conversation brought together distinguished African leaders, sustainability experts, and social innovators committed to shaping a greener, more inclusive global future.
Hosted as part of South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency, the webinar emphasised one essential truth: a just energy transition must uplift people, restore ecosystems, and create equitable economic opportunity.
A Malaysian Case Study for Africa and the Global South
Representing Malaysia, I shared the journey of PWD Smart FarmAbility, the world’s first disability-led regenerative agriculture model, which empowers marginalised communities through:
• Eco-HOPE Box Terrariums — soil-based regenerative micro-greenhouses producing clean vegetables every 10–14 days.
• Soil-U-tion
Aquaponics Satellite Farms — zero-waste fish–vegetable systems run by persons with disabilities (PWDs), seniors, and youth.
• Protein for Sustainable Living — award-winning tilapia-based ice cream and cookies enhancing community protein security.
These models demonstrate how low-energy, nature-based innovations can uplift vulnerable communities while strengthening food resilience — without dependence on high-cost technologies.
A Shared Vision for People and Planet
The webinar highlighted the importance of ensuring that Africa’s energy transition remains:
• Equitable — empowering women, youth, and grassroots communities
• Regenerative — restoring soils, water cycles, and local biodiversity
• People-led — driven by communities, not just corporations
• Financed Fairly — with climate financing that reaches those who need it most
It was inspiring to learn how African nations are championing:
community forestry decentralised renewable energy women-led sustainability enterprises youth innovation in green entrepreneurship
These efforts mirror Malaysia’s grassroots regenerative movement — proving that the Global South holds powerful solutions for a shared green future.
Recognition and Continued Collaboration
I am deeply humbled to receive the ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ from Leading Women of Africa for my contribution. This recognition honours not me alone, but every Malaysian PWD, teacher, farmer, elder, youth volunteer, and community partner who is building sustainable change with us.
Malaysia and Africa share many common challenges — but also the same resilience, creativity, and community spirit needed to transform our food systems and climate pathways.
Eco Voice Readers: A Call to Global Solidarity
As climate impacts intensify, the world must amplify community-driven, nature-based, inclusive solutions.
What is grown in a small urban farm, disability centre, or village plot can inspire policy shifts at national and global levels.
The conversations at the LWA–G20 Webinar Series remind us that:
Climate justice begins with people, and sustainable development must leave no one behind.
Eco Voice Australia plays a vital role in amplifying these global voices — connecting innovators, researchers, policymakers, and communities across continents.
I look forward to strengthening the Malaysia–Australia–Africa bridge in regenerative practices, disability inclusion, and community sustainability.
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