Center of Excellence for NaNo Energy & Catalysis Technology (CONNECT) was invited by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB) to showcase their hydrogen development and products at the Malaysia Hydrogen Initiative booth during International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition (IGEM) 2023 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

CONNECT is a research center under Xiamen University Malaysia, which is directed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun, the Assistant Dean of XMUM School of Energy and Chemical Engineering.

This event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, who officially launched Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR). The theme of the IGEM 2023 was "Race Towards Net Zero: Leadership for Climate Action". Over 40,000 participants, over 400 exhibition booths and representations of over 40 nations joined the event.

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Figure 1. Launching of Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR) 2023 during IGEM 2023 at KLCC.

During the event, CONNECT demonstrated the hydrogen product technologies to Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, YB Chang Lih Kang (Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation), YB Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup (Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation), YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change) and YB Dato' Sri Huang Tiong Sii (Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change).

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Figure 2. The Malaysia Hydrogen Initiative booth walkabout by Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof accompanied by the YB Ministers and Deputy Ministers as well as the XMUM top management.

This event served as a significant milestone in advancing hydrogen economy in Malaysia.The contributions from CONNECT, XMUM were showcased through the following:
Solar-driven catalytic hydrogen production from water
Prototype development of a continuous sheet reactor toward pilot scale
Electrochemical hydrogen production using a precious-metal-free catalyst in an electrolyzer

CONNECT is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of science, particularly in the development of organic and inorganic hybrid nanostructures. In line with the aims of IGEM 2023, these innovations offer a wealth of possibilities in the realms of energy and environmental applications, promising a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

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Figure 3. (A-B) Group photos between CONNECT, XMUM and NanoMalaysia Berhad and National Nanotechnology Center with the HETR handbook. (C) Group photo at the IGEM-Race Towards Net Zero outside the exhibition hall. (D) Showcase of CONNECT’s hydrogen product technologies to local and overseas investors, researchers, scientists, educators and public community.

“As we work hand in hand with MOSTI to realize the HETR, CONNECT is poised to position Malaysia as a globalnanotechnology hub for locally developed Renewable Energy solutions. With the official launch of HETR, we are integrating innovation with a sustainable approach to shape a future that is not only attractive but also informative,” Dr. Ong Wee Jun summarized.