Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and a company in the sustainability sector based in Singapore, have recently solidified their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at collectively developing and executing tech-enabled carbon reduction and removal projects in Malaysia.
Signed by UTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail and the company’s Chief Executive Officer, the MoU ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from both organisations, including Prof Ir Dr Haslenda binti Hashim from UTM’s Process Systems Engineering Centre (PROSPECT) and the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the company.
This strategic partnership seeks to accelerate Malaysia’s transition towards a green economy while simultaneously aligning with global sustainability objectives, particularly concerning the reduction of carbon emissions. By capitalising on carbon trading opportunities within Malaysia, the collaboration aims to generate carbon credits that resonate with the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its ambitious net-zero emissions targets.
These carbon credits will be facilitated through the Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX), the world’s first Shariah-compliant carbon exchange operated by KL Bursa, represented at the MoU ceremony by Dr Chen Wei-nee, the Executive Vice President & Head of Carbon Market.
The collaborative projects outlined under this agreement encompass a wide array of initiatives, including nature-based solutions such as blue carbon, afforestation, and agricultural endeavours. Additionally, technology-driven solutions like biochar production from agricultural waste and the deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure are on the agenda.
Through the company’s registered Electric Vehicle Accelerator (EVA) Grouped Project Activity, efforts will be made to replace internal combustion engines with electric vehicles, further contributing to carbon reduction efforts.
Both UTM and the company are committed to ensuring the production of high-quality carbon credits that adhere to international standards for both compliance and voluntary markets. This commitment involves raising carbon finance and developing transparent and effective climate mitigation solutions. The partnership underscores Malaysia’s dedication to achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2050 and its determination to play a significant role in global climate action.
Prof. Datuk Fauzi highlighted the partnership’s significance in addressing climate change and achieving net-zero emissions, emphasising the transformative impact of collaborative efforts between academia and industry. The company’s Chief Executive Officer underscored the importance of carbon finance in driving climate action, stressing the need for credible and pragmatic solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Prof. Ir. Dr. Haslenda Hashim expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to propel UTM’s research efforts and contribute significantly to Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Headquartered in Singapore, the company specialises in carbon advisory and carbon asset management, boasting extensive experience in international carbon markets. With a track record of delivering carbon reduction and removal solutions, it is well-positioned to support Malaysia’s endeavours towards achieving its climate goals.
The collaboration represents a significant step forward in Malaysia’s journey towards sustainability and underscores the importance of partnerships in driving climate action. By leveraging expertise from academia and industry, the partnership aims to develop innovative solutions to address climate change and pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
Malaysia is eagerly embracing cutting-edge digital technologies to bolster sustainability efforts and enhance climate resilience, with many institutes offering courses along these lines to support the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
OpenGov reported that Curtin University Malaysia has introduced a Bachelor of Engineering in Energy Engineering (Honours) programme, aligned with Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 goals, emphasising energy transition and renewable energy initiatives.
The curriculum equipped students with comprehensive knowledge and skills to address challenges and opportunities in energy sustainability, renewable energy technologies, and energy management, integrating elements of electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering under the leadership of Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu.