Subscribe to our Telegram channel for our latest stories and breaking news.
The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai officially opened to the public on 4 October, making it the first net-zero carbon installation at the global event
According to the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC), the implementing agency for Malaysia’s participation in the expo, the Malaysia Pavilion is based on the concept of a rainforest canopy.
The 1,234sqm pavilion, themed ‘Energising Sustainability’, aims to present the country’s commitment to a sustainable socio-economic and environmental future.
Image via Expo 2020 Dubai
Image via Propsearch
The pavilion is carbon neutral as it has reduced carbon emissions from its construction, operations, and materials to its recovery
According to MEP Middle East, the pavilion is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through 20% energy savings and has a solar rooftop that provides 10% of energy requirement of the building.
Meanwhile, the Meranti wood facade spanning the pavilion was harvested under a sustainable reforestation project and will also be dismantled for reuse after the expo.
“Building the pavilion was a challenging project, but exciting too as it blended superior skills with imagination to provide visitors an immersive experience of being in a rainforest,” said Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor, the chief executive officer of MGTC.
“Technology and design are combined in the right proportions to truly create a work of art.”
Image via Malaysia at EXPO 2020 (Facebook)
Image via Malaysia at EXPO 2020 (Facebook)
As for design, the exhibition halls are suspended on long slender columns, hovering four to six metres above the ground, to mimic a tropical jungle canopy
15m-tall poles surrounding the building were also designed to sway slightly and to light up at night like fireflies to welcome visitors, reported Gulf News after an onsite visit.
On the inside, Malaysia’s flora and fauna are the main showcase, with rooms filled with interactive panels and LED visuals to artistically display the country’s commitment in balancing science, technology, innovation, economy, and environmental protection.
There is also an amphitheater to watch Malaysian cultural performances and a cafe serving local delicacies in the pavilion.
Image via @gerryolearyphotography (Instagram)
Image via Clint Egbert/Gulf News
Image via Malaysia at EXPO 2020 (Facebook)
The Malaysian Pavilion is one of 191 country pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai
It is the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, with a site spanning 4.38sqkm, and expects to see over 25 million visitors as the biggest in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The expo, which was pushed back from last year due to the coronavirus outbreak, runs for six months from 1 October this year to 21 March 2022.
A one-day event ticket costs about USD27 (RM113), while a one month pass costs USD56 (RM234).