Monash University Malaysia secures Petronas funding for energy research

  • A full of US$ 17 mil in study provides was awarded&nbsp,
  • 61 academicians from 25 different universities were chosen as award recipients.

Monash University Malaysia secures Petronas funding for energy research

Seven of Monash University Malaysia’s studies ideas have received funding from Petronas, according to a statement from Monash University Malaysia. The university said in a statement that this collaboration highlights a shared responsibility to advance cutting-edge analysis in the electricity sector, with a focus on lasting solutions to the pressing global power challenges of the present and future.

Petronas has awarded a total of US$ 17 million ( RM71 million ) in research grants through the Petronas-Academia Collaboration Dialogue ( PACD ), a highly competitive initiative with 588 applicants vying for funding. Unfortunately, 61 experts from 25 institutions were selected, with Monash University Malaysia among the powerful organizations.

The awards were presented by Malaysia’s assistant secretary of Higher Education, Mustapha Sakmud, and Malaysia Petroleum Management’s Senior Vice President, Bacho Pilong.

” I strongly believe that technological advancements can provide a possible solution to the large investment purchases required for a sustainable future. This calls for more money to be spent on research and development, making engagement between academia and industry a must, according to Bacho Pilong.

The funding will be used for research in areas that are in line with international trends, with particular attention given to those in industries like low-carbon and renewable energy. These include carbon capture and storage systems, biofuel growth, successful hydrogen technology, and improving functional performance through data analysis and AI.

The list of Monash University Malaysia beneficiaries includes:

  • Professor Ir. Dr Chan Eng Seng, School of Engineering:” Microalgae Oil Biorefinery: Id, Quantification, and Characterisation of Lipid Compounds from Crude Fat Extracted from Microalgae”.
  • Dr Song Cher Pin, School of Engineering:” Biorefinery of Defatted Microalgae: Separation, Identification, Characterization, and Valorization of Defatted Microalgae”.
  • Dr Surya Nurzaman, School of Engineering:” Aerial Perching for Contact-Based Inspection in Oilfield Installations Using Soft Robotics”.
  • Professor Raphael Phan, School of Information Technology:” Æinstein: Adversarial AI Amongst Materials Discovery Domains”.
  • Dr Patrick Tang, School of Engineering:” Modelling and Knowledge-Informed Control of Microalgae Lipids Metabolism Under Diverse Environmental Stresses”.
  • Dr Lau Ee Von, School of Engineering:” Algae in CO2 Capture and Renewable Energy”.
  • Professor Chai Siang Piao, School of Engineering:” Development of Electro-Catalyst for CO2 Reduction from Flaring or Post-Combustion”.

These projects span critical areas such as renewable energy, CO2 reduction, green hydrogen, AI, and robotics —research that aligns with Monash University Malaysia’s mission to address key global challenges and drive technological advancements.

This collaboration with Petronas marks a major step in our continuing efforts to make effective research more prevalent. By working together, we are not only exploring solutions for today’s energy challenges but also shaping a sustainable future”, said Professor Dr Faisal Rafiq Bin Mahamd Adikan, vice president ( Research &amp, Development ) at Monash University Malaysia.

The breadth of research projects supported by this cooperation reflects the strength and ingenuity of our scientific community. I am assured the benefits will contribute to the betterment of society, both directly and globally”, he added.

Partnerships between academia and industry become even more important as the earth is under increasing pressure to switch to cleaner, more effective energy sources. The importance of such partnerships is strengthened by the influence of educational institutions like Monash University Malaysia on the development of strength.