Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NanoMalaysia Berhad & NanoQuartz Sdn Bhd on 16 February 2023, for the cooperation under the Biomass Innovation Circular Economy Programme (BICEP).

With the purposes to capsulize and spur Malaysia’s economic prospect, BICEP is a government initiative for the production of valuable advanced materials with agricultural biomass waste.

The MOU was signed by Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of NanoMalaysia Berhad, Dr. Daniel Bien, Director of NanoQuartz Sdn. Bhd. and Prof. Wang Ruifang, the President of XMUM.

YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, witnessed the ceremony. 

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It is reported that the MOU aims to strengthen the progressive trilateral relationships and cooperation under the BICEP between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), NanoMalaysia Berhad - as the leading agency for the commercialization of nanotechnology and advanced solutions - and Xiamen University Malaysia.

“Transitioning towards a circular economy is one of the key agendas under the 12th Malaysia Plan and MOSTI’s main 2023 initiatives. BICEP will spearhead the development of strategic technology and innovation by leading the commercialization of ‘waste to wealth’ valuable raw materials to become a top biomass hub in the region,” said YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang.

NanoMalaysia Berhad’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad said: "This collaboration is in line with the mandate outlined in the National Graphene Action Plan for developing a graphene ecosystem to transform Malaysia into a global player as our nanotechnology-based solutions will help us compete with other like-minded nations. ”

“XMUM and MOSTI have already established strong cooperation in research and innovation. We are deeply grateful for the support of BICEP for the development of a renowned nanotechnology research center at our university. I strongly believe that BICEP could leverage biomass widely available in Malaysia to produce high-value nano-scale advanced materials with applications in renewable energy and more,” said Prof. Wang Ruifang. 

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Image 1. Welcome remarks by Prof. Wang Ruifang; Image 2. Speech by YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang; 
Image 3. Signing of MOU; Image 4. Press conference

As part of the MOU, new labs will be constructed at Center of Excellence for NaNo Energy & Catalysis Technology (CONNECT), XMUM.

Dr. Ong Wee Jun, the Director of CONNECT, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the research team: “I am thankful to the funding for helping realize the potential translation of research from lab-scale to commercial-scale in nanomaterials and clean energy. The initiative will exploit the economic opportunities of biomass, nanomaterials, and nanotechnology, thus functioning CONNECT as a game changer for Malaysia in the next 5 years.”

Present at the event included Datuk Ts. Ir. Dr. Hj Aminuddin Bin Hassim, Secretary General of MOSTI; Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman bin Hassan, Deputy Secretary General of MOSTI (Technology Development); Prof. Emeritus Dato' Ir. Dr Mohamad Zawawi bin Ismail, Chairman of NanoMalaysia Berhad; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhang Ying, the Vice-President of XMUM; Prof. Chen Binghui, the Dean of School of Energy and Chemical Engineering of XMUM; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun, the Director of CONNECT, and Prof. Huang Nay Ming, the Head of Department of New Energy Science & Engineering of XMUM.

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 Group photo

The event was also covered by Bulletin TV3, RTM1, Utusan Malaysia and Melaysiakini. Click the links to find more information.