Monash University Malaysia has successfully secured funding for seven research proposals from PETRONAS, highlighting a collaborative effort to advance innovative solutions in the energy sector. This partnership aims to address urgent global energy challenges through sustainable research initiatives.
PETRONAS awarded a total of RM71 million in research grants through its PETRONAS-Academia Collaboration Dialogue (PACD), a competitive program that attracted 588 applicants. In total, 61 researchers from 25 universities received funding, with Monash University Malaysia being one of the successful institutions.
The grants were presented by Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, YB Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud, alongside Malaysia Petroleum Management Senior Vice President, Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong. In his remarks, Datuk Ir. Bacho emphasized the importance of technological breakthroughs in achieving a sustainable future, noting that collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for fostering research and development.
The funded projects focus on low-carbon and renewable energy sectors, including carbon capture and storage systems, bioenergy development, efficient hydrogen generation, and the application of data analytics and AI to enhance operational efficiency.
The recipients of the funding from Monash University Malaysia include:
- Professor Ir. Dr. Chan Eng Seng: Microalgae oil Biorefinery.
- Dr. Song Cher Pin: Biorefinery of defatted microalgae.
- Dr. Surya Nurzaman: Aerial perching for inspection in oilfield installations.
- Professor Raphael Phan: Æinstein: Adversarial AI in Materials Discovery.
- Dr. Patrick Tang: Modelling of microalgae lipids metabolism.
- Dr. Lau Ee Von: Microalgae in CO2 capture and renewable energy.
- Professor Chai Siang Piao: Development of electro-catalyst for CO2 reduction.
These projects address critical areas such as renewable energy, CO2 reduction, green hydrogen, AI, and robotics, aligning with Monash University Malaysia’s mission to tackle significant global issues.
Professor Dato’ Dr. Faisal Rafiq Bin Mahamd Adikan, Vice President (Research & Development) at Monash University Malaysia, remarked on the partnership’s significance, stating, “By working together, we are not only exploring solutions for today’s energy challenges but also helping to shape a sustainable future.”
As the world increasingly seeks cleaner and more efficient energy sources, the collaboration between Monash University Malaysia and PETRONAS underscores the vital role of academia in shaping the future of energy.
