Dato’ Dr Nick Boden

Dato’ Dr Nick Boden is chiropractor and entrepreneur whose goal is to drive a circular economy transformation through sustainability and recycling. Originally from South Africa, Boden is now a Malaysian citizen after residing in the country for more than two decades. When he is not tending to patients, Boden champions recycling through Klean, a local start-up responsible for innovative smart reverse-vending machines (RVM). These not only benefit the environment but also reward individuals who recycle their plastic bottles and aluminium cans. Recyclers receive virtual currency that can be redeemed for items such as food vouchers and mobile credits.

Boden proudly announces that the Klean recycling app has recently achieved its 50,000th user milestone. Additionally, the company has been granted a tax incentive for organisations employing their type of technology and is in the process of relocating to its own factory in Emhub.

As Klean moves forward, Boden is spearheading an expansion of its new RVMs, which will have the capability to identify and collect plastic takeaway containers. This initiative leverages homegrown AI technology developed in collaboration with Grab, promoting a circular economy approach to businesses. Furthermore, Boden is actively engaged in promoting sustainability within the coffee industry, aiming to phase out single-use coffee cups across ASEAN.

In July 2024, Ficus Capital, the world’s first Islamic Environment, Social, and Governance venture capital firm, announced that it would invest RM2 million into Klean to further support its container recovery initiatives, RVM network expansion, and regional operations enhancements in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Fiji.

Nick Boden is married to former Malaysian beauty queen Elaine Daly, and has three children.