US ambassador impressed with Uniten's readiness to spearhead Malaysia's energy transition

KUALA LUMPUR - The U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, Brian McFeeters recognises the commitment of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) to spearhead Malaysia’s energy transition in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) through the setting up of the first National Energy Centre (NEC) for the country soon.

Uniten in a statement today said McFeeters who shared his aspirations and thoughts during an engagement held at Uniten campus in Putrajaya on Thursday said Malaysia would be able to spearhead the energy initiatives for a sustainable future for generations to come via collaborations with various stakeholders.

"Malaysian states, as stewards of the land, play a crucial role in deciding to preserve and restore Malaysia's amazing forests, mangroves, and peatland, each critical in reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions," he said.

During the engagement session titled ‘Climate Action Now: Taking Initiatives to Combat the Climate Crisis', he also engaged with students and staff and was impressed by the university's management team’s focus on tertiary education in energy transition in the country as well as producing highly employable graduates.

Uniten vice-chancellor Prof Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the setting up of NEC under Uniten is aimed at establishing a Strategic National Energy Framework to transform Malaysia into an energy hub.

According to Noor Azuan, this will also provide industry players with the opportunity to become strategic partners by opening a branch or laboratory satellite incubator in the energy centre.

He said it is expected to benefit both Malaysia and the surrounding regions with technological solutions for energy transition in the effort to increase renewable energy capacity and deal with carbon emissions.

"As we transition towards net zero emissions by 2050, our country aims to become a Low Carbon Nation by 2040 as reflected in the latest National Energy Policy (2022- 2040).

"This requires Malaysia to develop a sustainable energy system based on higher shares of renewable energy which also include energy efficiency enhancement and increased share in low carbon fuels including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biodiesel," he said. - BERNAMA