The End of the Trash Can: Why the Circular Economy is Capitalism’s Great Upgrade

Academician Professor Dato’ Dr Ahmad Ibrahim FASc is a distinguished Malaysian academic and industry leader renowned for his contributions to chemical engineering, environmental science, and national science policy. He earned his PhD in wastewater engineering from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK, in 1978, followed by post-doctoral training in environmental engineering at Cornell University, USA. Throughout his career, he has served in key leadership roles across research institutions, universities, and policy-making bodies, shaping Malaysia’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) landscape through impactful scholarship and strategic vision.

“The End of the Trash Can: Why the Circular Economy is Capitalism’s Great Upgrade” explores the urgent shift from the outdated linear economic model—built on extraction, production, and disposal—to a smarter, more resilient circular economy. The talk highlights how the traditional notion of “away” has collapsed under the weight of environmental degradation, supply-chain instability, and resource constraints. By reframing waste as value and redesigning systems to emulate nature’s regenerative cycles, the circular economy offers a powerful pathway for businesses to enhance profitability, reduce risk, and build long-term economic and ecological resilience.

Professor Ahmad Ibrahim’s interest in sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental systems engineering aligns closely with the principles of the circular economy. His background in wastewater and environmental engineering gives him a systems-level perspective on material flows, waste minimisation, and regenerative design. He is particularly engaged in how science, technology, and policy can converge to accelerate sustainable industrial transformation, strengthen economic competitiveness, and support a new culture of purposeful, innovation-driven growth.