Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB), SEED Tech Sdn Bhd (STSB), and Henan Yujian Building Renovation Technology Co. Ltd. (YJ) on 1 August 2025. The agreement aims to explore the conversion of agricultural waste into cellulose nanofibers (CNF) for industrial applications.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Chang Lih Kang, Secretary-General YBhg. Datuk Seri Hj. Hasnol Zam Zam bin Hj. Ahmad and Deputy Secretary-General YBhg. Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman bin Hassan.

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Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Minister Chang noted, "Malaysia produces around 168,000 tonnes of agricultural waste daily, yet less than 10% is currently upcycled. Public-private partnerships and cross-border collaborations are essential to increase our national R&D efforts."

Representing XMUM, Assoc. Prof. Zhang Ying, Vice President of the University, emphasized the potential of CNF: "Cellulose nanofiber is lightweight, biodegradable, and highly versatile across industries. By linking research with practical applications, we can advance sustainable technologies and ensure scientific developments have real-world impact."

Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad of NanoMalaysia Berhad added, "This partnership reflects a collective ambition to develop locally sourced solutions that support both environmental and economic goals. Applying nanotechnology to agricultural by-products demonstrates how innovation can contribute to Malaysia's circular economy."

The project will focus on commercializing CNF technology through licensing, intellectual property, and joint ventures across Malaysia, China, and the Asia-Pacific. XMUM will contribute through foundational research, materials testing, and training technical talent with international perspectives and multilingual skills. Research will be led at the Centre of Excellence for Industrial Research and Climate Action (CIRCLE) by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Khang Wei, with core team members including Dr. Ban Zhen Hong, Dr. Ng Boon Junn, Prof. Yeap Swee Keong, Dr. Kua Yin Leng, and Dr. Noraini Binti Mohd. Project guidance will be provided by Prof. Chen Binghui, alongside support from master's, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers.

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This collaboration aligns with Malaysia's National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN), the 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (MySTIE) Framework, and the National Advanced Materials Technology Roadmap. It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The event was widely covered by Malaysia's mainstream media.

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