Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) through its School of Engineering and Physical Sciences hosted a virtual net-zero energy industry forum on March 24 in collaboration with Student Chapters of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM); The Institution of Chemical Engineers, Malaysia (IChemE); Energy Institute Malaysia (EI Malaysia); and Institution of Engineering and Technology Malaysia (IET).
Themed, “Towards Net-Zero”, the forum aimed at addressing the challenges and changes required; technological readiness; role of key stakeholders including regulators and industry players; key green initiatives and policies; carbon offsetting projects as well as future energy systems.
The panellists raised interesting points about the Net Zero Carbon Readiness and provided key insights on green policies, affordability, infrastructure and technology and talent in Malaysia; all of which are important factors to take into consideration in order to reach the country’s net zero carbon target.
The panel members also highlighted that Malaysia is fuelled by an energy-centric economy which will require more government intervention including a clear regulatory framework, industrial incentives to spur green initiatives such as exploring renewable energy and to garner net zero carbon participation from Malaysian companies. In addition, panellist also shared on the importance of businesses incorporating costs for sustainable green measures to reduce carbon emission towards a more sustainable business model amidst the global energy transition.
During the panel discussion, TNB Renewables Sdn. Bhd.’s Head of Business Assessment & Engineering Ir. Ts. Dr. Wan Syakirah said, “Let us all play our part be it small or big to ensure that we are on the right path in achieving our net-zero target, not for ourselves but for the generation of the future.”
Similarly, the Energy Institute’s Managing Director (Asia-Pacific), and Storegga’s Vice President (Asia-Pacific) Peter Godfrey shared, “Getting to net zero is not a race, it’s about empowering smart people and the nations, wherever they may be, to take ambitious steps beyond the status quo and to demonstrate to others how to do so. Sitting back and making excuses about why things can’t be done is no longer an option.”
HWUM’s Associate Professor of School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Dr. Adlansyah Abd Rahman also shared on the importance of nurturing a skilled talent pipeline that will be able to innovate and utilise new greenhouse gas (GHG) reducing and removal technologies. He also stressed on the importance of positive education to help nurture holistic talent that will be able to impact communities and remain resilient in a highly complex world.
