Grant: Malaysia Science Endowment × NEXUS Research Collaboration Grant 2025

Date & Time: 18th May 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Venue: Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical & Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

Attendees:

Ir. Dr. Chuah Chong Yang – Co-Principal Investigator, Universiti Malaya (UM)
Prof. Dr. Lau Woei Jye – Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

1. Introduction

The Kick-Off Meeting for the research project titled “Green Conversion of Palm Oil Wastes into Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG) for Renewable Energy Diversification in Malaysia” was held on 4 March 2026 at Universiti Malaya. The meeting marked the official commencement of the three-year collaborative project involving academic institutions from Malaysia and Japan, together with industry and government partners. The collaboration focuses on developing sustainable approaches for converting palm oil biomass, particularly Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB), into renewable bioenergy in the form of Bio-CNG.

2. Technical Discussion and Laboratory Visit

During the visit, Prof. Lau Woei Jye introduced the management structure of AMTEC, including the research administration framework and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) required for maintaining HiCoE status under the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. Following the discussion session, a laboratory tour was conducted to introduce the advanced research and characterization facilities available at AMTEC. The facilities visited included:Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Hollow fiber membrane spinning facilities, Pyrolysis laboratory, and Gas chromatography systems. The visit also included discussions on membrane technologies for sustainable water treatment, environmental monitoring, and resource recovery applications.

3. SATREPS Information Exchange

Prof. Lau additionally shared information and brochures related to the SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) program conducted in collaboration with Nagasaki University. The discussion provided useful insights into international research management, membrane-based water treatment technologies, and future possibilities for academic collaboration between Malaysian and Japanese institutions.

4. Conclusion

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen academic networking and technical exchange between Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The discussions contributed to broader perspectives on advanced environmental technologies, membrane science, and future collaborative opportunities related to sustainable resource and environmental management. The NEXUS project team looks forward to continuing technical discussions and expanding collaborative activities with Malaysian research institutions in the fields of renewable energy, environmental engineering, and sustainable technology development.