7.4 – Energy and the community

7.4.1 – Local community outreach for energy efficiency

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has been actively involved in community outreach programs that promote energy efficiency and clean energy. These initiatives are critical in raising awareness and educating the local community on the importance of adopting sustainable energy practices. By engaging with the public through various programs, UKM is contributing significantly towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. UKM local community outreach for energy efficiency program empowers communities by sharing knowledge, resources, and sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental responsibility. Through workshops, partnerships, and hands-on initiatives, UKM educates local communities on practical energy-saving methods, renewable energy adoption, and efficient resource use. This outreach not only strengthens UKM commitment to sustainability but also fosters a culture of eco-consciousness, enabling communities to take actionable steps toward a greener future.

1. Seminar/ Talk

• Public Lecture: “Readiness of Malaysia Towards Low Carbon Nation”
  • Date: February 1, 2023
  • Organizers: Fuel Cell Institute, in collaboration with UKMShape

The Webinar Ilmu & Dunia Program at UKM in 2023 is a knowledge-sharing initiative aimed at expanding perspectives and understanding on various topics of academic and societal relevance. This program brings together experts, academics, and participants from diverse fields to discuss issues, innovations, and advancements that impact both academia and the wider community. Through these webinars, UKM fosters a culture of lifelong learning and community engagement, supporting its mission to be a center of knowledge and societal contribution.

The Fuel Cell Institute delivered an online public lecture on Malaysia’s readiness to transition towards a low-carbon nation. This lecture, which was live-streamed on Facebook, was presented by Prof. Ir. Dr. Siti Kartom Kamarudin, Director of the Fuel Cell Institute. The session aimed to educate the public about the importance of low-carbon technologies, particularly fuel cells, in mitigating climate change. The outreach program played a pivotal role in fostering a national conversation on sustainable energy futures. This segment also highlighted Malaysia’s readiness and strategies in advancing toward a low-carbon economy. The discussion focused on initiatives, innovations, and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, particularly relevant to Malaysia’s climate goals.

• SERI Coffee Talk Series 2023
  • Date: March 21, 2023 – December 14, 2023
  • Organizers: Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI)

The SERI Coffee Talk Series 2023, organized by the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) at UKM, is a series of informal discussions aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and networking among researchers, industry professionals, and students. This series provides a relaxed, interactive platform for exploring topics related to solar energy, renewable technologies, and sustainability. Participants have the opportunity to engage with experts, discuss current trends and challenges in the field, and build connections that may lead to future collaborations. This series give some focus areas on public awareness, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) visibility and research capacity building.

•  Training of Trainers (TOT) X-PLORASI STEM 2023
  • Date: June 13 & 15, 2023
  • Organizers: Fuel Cell Institute, UKM in collaboration with Institute of Teacher Education Malay Women Campus (IPGK PM), Melaka.
  • Participating Schools: Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Notre Dame Convent (SMJKNDC) and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Paya Rumput (SMKPR)

The Training of Trainers (TOT) X-PLORASI STEM 2023 program, organized by the Fuel Cell Institute (SELFUEL) at UKM in collaboration with the Institute of Teacher Education Malay Women Campus, inspired students from Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Notre Dame Convent and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Paya Rumput to embrace STEM. Through engaging, game-based learning modules on low-carbon hydrogen fuel cell technology, students explored STEM beyond traditional textbooks, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Supported by dedicated teachers and facilitators, the program empowered students with hands-on activities, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving skills. Funded by UKM under the Geran Translasi UKM, X-PLORASI STEM 2023 left a lasting impact, igniting a love for learning and setting the stage for future STEM leaders. This educational outreach was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications by introducing students to low-carbon technologies, focusing on hydrogen fuel cells. The program employed a game-based learning approach to make the content engaging and accessible for students. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yoERYJbqs8wqZ7Xf/?mibextid=oFDknk

(SMJK Notre Dame Convent 13 June 2023)	(SMK Paya Rumput 15 June 2023)

• Seminar on Pathways to Net Zero
  • Date: November, 29 2023
  • Organizers: Fuel Cell Institute (SELFUEL)

Seminar on Pathways to Net Zero was successfully conducted on 6 November 2023, co-organised by Fuel Cell Institute and Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, UKM. It was an honor to have two distinguished speakers Prof. Wu Wei and Associate Prof. Lee Jui-Yuan deliver talks during the seminar. The Seminar on Pathways to Net Zero explores innovative approaches for achieving sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Key presentations include:

• Economic and Environmental Analyses of Green Diesel Production by Hydrotreating of Palm Oil: This session examines the feasibility of producing green diesel from palm oil through hydrotreating, analyzing both the economic and environmental impacts of this alternative fuel source.
  
• The Role of Process Integration in Achieving Net Zero Emissions: This presentation highlights the importance of process integration—optimizing energy use within industrial systems—to significantly reduce emissions and drive progress toward net-zero goals.

Together, these discussions provide valuable insights into sustainable fuel alternatives and efficient industrial processes, both critical for a low-carbon future.

2. Conference

• World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) 2023 (WREC2023)
  • Date: July 16-20, 2023
  • Organizers: Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI)

The World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) 2023, organized by the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), is a biennial conference that provides a global platform for researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders to collaborate and share knowledge on renewable energy technologies. Supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and the World Renewable Energy Network (WREN), WREC2023 fosters discussions and networking among diverse sectors, facilitating knowledge transfer and international partnerships. With backing from MyCEB, along with support from Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) and Ministry of Finance, the event aligns with Malaysia’s 3R (Reset, Restart, Responsible) initiative for industry recovery and includes the MySafe Business Events Planner for safe, organized travel experiences for international participants.

• The 8th International Conference & 3rd Symposium on Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology (ICFCHT-SFCHT 2023)
  • Date: September 5-6, 2023
  • Organizers: Fuel Cell Institute (SELFUEL)

The 8th International Conference & 3rd Symposium on Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology (ICFCHT-SFCHT 2023) brings together researchers, industry experts, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in fuel cell and hydrogen technology. This prestigious event provides a platform for sharing innovative research, exploring new applications, and fostering collaborations in the field of clean energy. Topics include developments in fuel cell systems, hydrogen production and storage, and the role of hydrogen in achieving global sustainability goals. ICFCHT-SFCHT 2023 serves as a critical gathering for driving forward the adoption of hydrogen technology as a clean, sustainable energy solution. This conference aimed at integrating various disciplines related to fuel cells and hydrogen technology. It was made accessible to the public on the morning of September 5th, allowing broader community participation and enhancing awareness of the latest advancements in the field. The initiative was part of UKM’s ongoing efforts to engage the public in discussions on green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development.