Collaborative Frontiers: IGEM 2023 Inspiring Eco-Friendly Innovations

The second day of IGEM 2023, the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia, was marked by significant Memoranda of Cooperation (MoC) signings with key partners. These strategic partnerships aim to fuel innovation and sustainable growth in diverse sectors, playing a crucial role in Malaysia’s green economy and the global shift towards renewable energy and environmentally responsible practices.

The MoC signing between Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) marks a significant step toward advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The collaboration covers research partnerships focusing on Green Building assessment and renewable energy applications, knowledge exchange, publication sharing, and industry attachment programmes. It also aims to enhance sustainable energy management at UUM’s campus by achieving Energy Management Gold Standard certification and offering student capacity-building programmes. This collaboration will indirectly contribute to the green economy by promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and environmental responsibility.

Meanwhile, the MoC between MGTC and Mont Aero Sdn Bhd signals a joint commitment to develop hydrogen-related technologies focusing on hydrogen production and hydrogen gen-sets. The collaboration includes promoting hydrogen genset usage, converting landfill biogas into green hydrogen, and seeking government grants and funding. With an estimated investment value of RM15 million, this partnership aligns with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap. The aims of this MoC are rooted in environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, waste management, access to funding, national energy goals, and technological progress, all of which collectively contribute to a more sustainable and green energy landscape.

On the other hand, the MoC between MGTC and SIRIM focuses on energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives to support the transition towards a sustainable energy future. The collaboration will explore initiatives related to biomass, biogas, and hydrogen, as well as knowledge sharing and utilising SIRIM labs. This partnership is expected to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s NETR regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy targets. It also seeks to harness expertise, resources, and innovative technologies to promote a greener and more sustainable energy future while fostering knowledge sharing, and quality research and development. Ultimately, these efforts align with global initiatives to combat climate change and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape for the future.

Furthermore, MGTC, along with Alya Agro Venture Sdn Bhd, Ain Biomass Industries Sdn Bhd, and Planters International Berhad, has signed an MoC to collaborate on a biomass project that utilises bamboo as feedstock for the production of bamboo pellets and bamboo biochar. This partnership includes the purchase of raw bamboo, expanding production, knowledge sharing, and engagement in nature-based carbon sequestration efforts. The MoC is also motivated by the desire to leverage bamboo as a sustainable feedstock and enhance production capabilities, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Ts Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, GCEO of MGTC, explained, “This collaboration will contribute to the green economy by providing a renewable energy source, creating local jobs, promoting trade and export, and mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. A pilot project on bamboo as biomass feedstock is underway to support the bioenergy transition and the NETR.”

MGTC and Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) have also signed an MoC focusing on corporate sustainability by adopting the Low Carbon Operating System (LCOS), a cloud-based platform for carbon management. This collaboration was made to advance corporate sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, promote knowledge sharing, raise climate change awareness, adopt green technology solutions, provide access to green financing, and actively participate in global climate initiatives, all in alignment with environmental stewardship and climate action goals. BPMB will also partner with the Malaysia Pavilion at COP28 (Conference of Parties) as part of their commitment to environmental stewardship. Also present during the signing ceremony was YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change.

The Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) 4.0 launch highlights the financial support for various green sectors, including energy, manufacturing, transportation, building, waste, and water. The scheme provides attractive incentives to SMEs, mainly the 1.5% interest/profit rebate for the first five to seven years and a 60%-80% government guarantee on financing.  The appointed implementing agencies for GTFS 4.0 are MGTC and Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) (the scheme administrator). MGTC and CGC will collaborate with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to encourage local companies and entrepreneurs to participate in green technology projects and support the national green technology agenda.

Ts Shamsul Bahar added, “The collaborations announced on the second day of IGEM 2023 are poised to accelerate Malaysia’s transition to a sustainable, green future, driving economic growth, job creation, and environmental responsibility.”