25 September 2025
EQ Kuala Lumpur
The Sustainable Restaurant Association Panel Discussion: Small Changes, Big Impact: Driving Sustainability Through Hospitality
Event Details
25 September 2025
1 PM to 2 PM Malaysia (GMT+8)
This session will be delivered in English
Diamond Ballroom, Level 1, EQ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
EQ, Equatorial Plaza, Jln Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
About This Session
Join us for an inspiring and actionable session exploring the future of sustainable dining in the APAC region. This interactive discussion brings together leading voices from across the hospitality sector to address critical sustainability challenges facing our industry today and tomorrow. This session offers a unique opportunity to engage with sustainability pioneers who are successfully balancing environmental responsibility with culinary excellence. Discover how regional cultural practices and global standards can work together to create a more sustainable food ecosystem in Southeast Asia.
Key Focus Areas:
Examining the distinct sustainability challenges and opportunities within Malaysia and Southeast Asia's food landscape
Addressing critical issues including food waste reduction, water conservation, deforestation prevention, and community support
Celebrating and preserving local culinary heritage through sustainable sourcing of indigenous ingredients
Implementing the internationally recognized Food Made Good Standard as a framework for measurable improvement
Building a collaborative community of sustainability-focused hospitality professionals across the APAC region
Examining the distinct sustainability challenges and opportunities within Malaysia and Southeast Asia's food landscape
Addressing critical issues including food waste reduction, water conservation, deforestation prevention, and community support
Celebrating and preserving local culinary heritage through sustainable sourcing of indigenous ingredients
Implementing the internationally recognized Food Made Good Standard as a framework for measurable improvement
Building a collaborative community of sustainability-focused hospitality professionals across the APAC region
About The Speakers
Oliver Truesdale-Jutras
ReGrowth Founder & Chef/Founder
Folia Malaysia (coming from Singapore)
From apprentice to sustainability pioneer, Oliver's culinary journey reflects his lifelong commitment to food ethics. Trained globally under celebrated chefs, he developed a distinctive approach honouring local ingredients. Alongside Phoebe Oviedo, their Stovetrotter venture earned unprecedented acclaim, whilst his leadership at Open Farm Community transformed Singapore's farm-to-table movement, garnering prestigious accolades. Now heading Re:Growth consultancy, Oliver continues revolutionising regenerative hospitality whilst serving as founding chair of Singapore's F&B sustainability council. His influence extends beyond the kitchen—through expertise, advocacy and ceramic artistry, Oliver shapes the future of responsible cuisine with passion and innovation.
Samantha DeMello
ESG Director
Hyatt ASAP (coming from Hong Kong)
Samantha is a native Singaporean and passionate sustainability advocate with over 10 years of experience in the marketing and hospitality industry. After attaining her Master’s degree in Corporate Environmental Governance from The University of Hong Kong, she pivoted from communications to sustainability and is now the Director of ESG, Asia Pacific for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Samantha combines her education in marketing and sustainability with operational experience to ensure that sustainability is integrated effectively in hotels.
Summer Le
Chef/Founder
Nén DaNang (coming from Vietnam)
Summer Le is the visionary chef and founder of Nén, Vietnam's first and only recipient of a Michelin Green Star in 2024. As an ambassador of Vietnamese cuisine, she reimagines traditional ingredients through innovative storytelling that connects food with cultural heritage. At her acclaimed fine dining establishment, Summer creates contemporary culinary experiences using hyper-local ingredients sourced from across Vietnam and Nén's own farms. Her approach to sustainability stems from a deep respect for ingredients, producers and seasonal rhythms. Through her work, Summer establishes herself as a trailblazer who honours Vietnam's culinary traditions whilst boldly exploring new creative possibilities.
About The Moderator
Karen Finnerty
APAC Growth & Partnerships Director
The SRA (coming from Hong Kong)
With a career in hospitality spanning 15 years across Ireland, the UK and now eight years in Hong Kong, Karen's background and experience is grounded in marketing, communications, partnerships and business development. Before joining The Sustainable Restaurant Association (The SRA) Karen worked with globally renowned hospitality and travel brands, guiding brand positioning, market entry into Asia, as well as marketing and growth strategies. When Karen welcomed her daughter to the world in 2020, the strong need to do more purpose-led work for the hospitality industry became her professional purpose. In 2023, she began her role with The SRA in as APAC Growth & Partnerships Director.
Attendees
This is a paid conference for trade professionals. Kindly purchase your delegate pass to access the event.
For more information, please contact [email protected]
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