By Murniati Abu Karim
Photo Ikhwan Hashim
Putrajaya, September 5, 2023 – Malaysia possesses significant potential in the field of hydrogen, with the capacity to function as a driving force both within its domestic boundaries and as an export commodity. This could play a pivotal role in facilitating the transition toward a net-zero carbon future.
Minister of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia is uniquely poised to tap into this energy source, given our rich local resources such as natural gas and Renewable Energy sources including hydro, solar, and bioenergy.
“This advantageous position places us ahead in the competition for both blue and green hydrogen production, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable hydrogen economy.
“As we embark on this journey, it’s imperative to leverage our inherent strengths to propel our nation towards a cleaner energy future,” he said at the 8th International Conference on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology (ICFCHT) in conjunction with the 3rd Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology Symposium (SFCHT 2023).
Under the theme ‘Towards Sustainable and Net Zero Carbon Future,’ this event is organized by Fuel Cell Institute of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in close collaboration with the Malaysian Hydrogen Energy Association (MAHE), the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), and Indonesia Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy (IFHE).
Chang added that this conference is in line with the current needs in supporting the National Energy Policy which has set the strategic direction that outlines the key importance of the country’s energy sector.
“It is an overarching goal not only to chart our nation’s course toward energy security but also to harmonize it with the imperatives of environmental stewardship and economic resilience,” he said.
This international conference focuses on knowledge sharing efforts and serves as a platform for researchers, professionals, and industries to establish and strengthen collaborations in related fields. The program is an ongoing effort to drive, promote, and sustain energy technology while preserving the environment.
The conference shows the commitment of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in supporting efforts to achieve a sustainable and low-carbon environment, in line with the country’s goal towards zero carbon by the year 2050. Over the span of two days, it provides a forum for experts, researchers, academics, and industry stakeholders to exchange insights and cultivate innovative ideas, all in pursuit of a sustainable, low-carbon future for the nation.
