Cover Syed Zain Almohdzar, co-founder, Klean
Syed Zain Almohdzar, co-founder, Klean
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From making recycling more accessible to helping businesses adopt environmentally responsible practices, these sustainability leaders are pioneering solutions that reshape how waste is managed and reduced
Observed annually on March 30, the International Day of Zero Waste highlights the urgent need for sustainable waste management and promotes zero-waste initiatives worldwide.
According to a 2024 United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report, the world produces two billion tonnes of trash a year, an amount that, when packed into shipping containers and placed end-to-end, could wrap around the Earth’s equator 25 times. Already an alarming number, the report further projects that waste generation from households and small businesses is expected to rise to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050.
In the region, where rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have exacerbated waste challenges, the innovative entrepreneurs of Asia’s Most Influential have stepped up to drive change. From making recycling more accessible to helping businesses adopt environmentally responsible practices, they are pioneering solutions that reshape how waste is managed and reduced.
Beyond innovating waste management, these leaders also empower individuals to embrace sustainable lifestyles by presenting everyday solutions for waste reduction and instilling the urgent need to take action now.
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Arthur Huang, co-founder and CEO, Miniwiz (Taiwan)
Above Arthur Huang, co-founder and CEO, Miniwiz
Arthur Huang, co-founder and CEO, Miniwiz
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Since 2005, Arthur Huang’s Miniwiz has developed numerous waste-to-material processes, turning plastic bottles, rice husks and other discarded items into high-performance products. Miniwiz applies its waste solutions to projects like the EcoARK Pavilion, built from 1.5 million plastic bottles, and the AIRSIDE mall in Hong Kong, which integrates recycling and upcycling elements.
In 2024, the company completed Barzakh, the UAE’s first permanent structure made entirely from recycled materials, for the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. In the same year, it made sustainability a hands-on experience via its Trash Kitchen workshop, where participants in Taiwan transformed household plastic waste into new products like sunglasses. Miniwiz has also expanded into Singapore with modular upcycled exhibition spaces, reinforcing its mission to make waste a valuable resource.
Meng Zhou Lin, founder, Da Fon Environmental Technology (Taiwan)
Above Meng Zhou Lin, founder, Da Fon Environmental Technology (Taiwan)
Meng Zhou Lin, founder, Da Fon Environmental Technology (Taiwan)
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The founder of Da Fon Environmental Technology is reshaping Taiwan’s recycling industry with innovations such as real-time vehicle tracking, recycling station franchises and community recycling centres, all of which have made waste management operations more efficient, convenient and attractive for everyday users. Meng Zhou Lin also developed the Zero Zero app, which helps users locate the nearest recycling centre or schedule pickups for large appliances, including automobiles, for processing.
More recently, Da Fon introduced Taiwan’s first large-scale indoor AI-powered sorting facility, equipped with robotic arms capable of identifying 17 types of recyclables. Located in New Taipei, the facility processes 40 to 50 tonnes of household recyclables daily and sorts up to 56 material types, setting a new benchmark for smart recycling.
Read Meng Zhou Lin’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Nick Boden and Syed Zain Almohdzar, co-founders, Klean (Malaysia)
Above Nick Boden, co-founder, Klean
Above Syed Zain Almohdzar, co-founder, Klean
Nick Boden, co-founder, Klean
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Nick Boden and Syed Zain Almohdzar are advancing recycling efforts in Malaysia through Klean, the digital container deposit system that rewards people for recycling their empty plastic containers. Connected to an app that tracks recycled waste and rewards users with points for food vouchers and mobile currency, its AI-driven reverse vending machines (RVM) collect PET bottles, aluminium cans, food containers and e-waste.
In 2024, Klean’s network grew to over 100 RVMs across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Fiji, attracting more than 100,000 users and collecting over two million containers. The company also introduced an RVM model capable of accepting food containers, addressing the growing issue of plastic waste from takeout packaging. Fuelling its mission further, Klean secured a US$429,000 investment from Ficus Capital to expand its network.
Read Nick Boden’s and Syed Zain Almohdzar’s full profiles on Asia’s Most Influential
Ren Ping Chen, founder and CEO, Hiin Studio (Taiwan)
Above Ren Ping Chen, founder and CEO, Hiin Studio (Photo: Renan Chung)
Ren Ping Chen, founder and CEO, Hiin Studio (Photo: Renan Chung)
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Established by sustainability leader Ren Ping Chen, Hiin Studio carries out its mission of protecting the ocean by organising over 500 beach cleanups that have removed 172 metric tonnes of garbage. Apart from collecting waste, Hiin’s events involve recording every piece of waste to identify sources of ocean pollution and change everyday habits that contribute to waste production.
In conjunction with its cleanup programmes, Hiin also imparts the importance of trash-free oceans in over 1,000 lectures, including its free seminars for primary school students across Taiwan in 2023. The educational events presented both problems and solutions, covering why ocean waste is a threat to the marine environment, as well as teaching ways to reduce plastic and waste in everyday life.
Continuing its mission, Hiin Studio partnered with DHL in 2024 for an annual cleanup at DingLiao Beach in New Taipei City. Over 30 volunteers participated, collecting 276 kilogrammes of garbage.
Read Ren Ping Chen’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano, co-founder, Greeneration Indonesia (Indonesia)
Above Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano, co-founder, Greeneration Indonesia
Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano, co-founder, Greeneration Indonesia
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Committed to creating environmental solutions, Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano has established three sustainability organisations in Indonesia. His Greeneration Indonesia champions sustainable consumption and production through programmes such as the Indonesia Circular Economy Forum, river waste management specialist Citraum Repair and the Driving Refill Solution, which addresses the problem of single-use plastics.
Meanwhile, his waste management service provider Waste4Change focuses on ethical solutions that reduce waste in landfills. It offers, for example, practical considerations such as the safe disposal of sensitive documents and defective products to businesses. Mohamad is also involved in venture builder Ecoxyztem, which supports early-stage startups that create solutions for the environment. Ecoxyztem has invested in promising ideas such as Biki’s protective vegetable coating made from shrimp shell waste.
Read Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.
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