In a significant stride towards accelerating Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap, ABB recently engaged with the academic community through an Energy Efficiency Symposium held at the University of Malaya, the country's premier university. The one-day event brought together over 20 leading members from Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation as well as the University of Malaya to discuss the pivotal role of universities in fostering a future-ready workforce.
The symposium featured presentations by ABB experts, who delved into the energy efficiency landscape in two key sectors namely industries and transportation. The sessions provided a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements and practical applications in the field, highlighting the importance of integrating innovative technologies into academic curricula to prepare students for the country's changing energy landscape.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in several roundtable discussions on creating a systemic approach to energy efficiency, focusing on the need for collaboration between academia and industry. They explored various challenges and opportunities to enhance the curriculum, promote research and development, and foster partnerships to drive innovation and sustainability.
“True progress lies not in the relentless pursuit of more energy, but in our ability to do more with less. Energy efficiency is not just a technological challenge; it's a moral imperative. Embracing energy efficiency is the key to unlocking a future where prosperity and sustainability go hand in hand,” said Associate Prof. Dr. Anis Salwa Binti Mohd Khairuddin, University of Malaya.
Coordinator of the Symposium at University Malaya, Ir. Ts. Dr. Wong Jee Keen Raymond added, “In the pursuit of energy efficiency, we harness not only the power of innovation but also the strength of collective responsibility. Together, we can illuminate a future where our energy use aligns with the planet's needs. By making smarter choices, we can transform our relationship with the planet and ensure a healthier, more sustainable world.”
"The event underscores the critical role of universities in shaping the next generation of energy professionals," said R Narayanan, Group Senior Vice President & Head of Motion Business, Asia. "The energy transition requires multidisciplinary talent from engineering, economics, science, policy, sociology, and many other fields. This is why universities are uniquely suited to reshape the thinking of our brightest minds on making a sustainable energy future a priority," he emphasized.
"When we conducted our latest report “From Insight to Implementation: Business Perspectives on Energy Efficiency Investments”, a global survey carried out in February this year, we gathered responses from ~1,300 business leaders across 13 countries. These countries included China, Germany, Italy, the US, the UK, India, Sweden, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Argentina. We took the opportunity to ask what are the most important 10x10 Versailles actions to businesses. The results have not been published in our report as we wanted to keep it for the 9th IEA event exclusively," said Mike Umiker, Executive Director, Energy Efficiency Movement.
"However, what we found out is that 40 percent of respondents selected Skills as the most important 10x10 Versailles action. Malaysian companies ranked Skills same as the global average at almost 40 percent. In average, the percentage is getting lower the larger the companies are. Despite Skills was ranked as the most important action, 42% of businesses in Malaysia say they need support with Skills," he added.
"Graduates of today will play a vital role in steering the companies they work for in the future. As such, it is crucial for universities to nurture talents with an appreciation of broader societal needs and real-world challenges, including environmental threats. I wish to congratulate the participants and the local team for successfully taking this important step and for involving the Energy Efficiency Movement in setting the stage for future collaborations. We look forward to working together to realize Malaysia's energy efficiency and sustainability goals," he concluded.
The Energy Efficiency Movement is a non-profit association committed to accelerating energy efficiency globally and serves as a voice for industry on this topic. Its main purpose is promoting the use of energy-efficient solutions and technologies to save energy, reduce CO2 and costs. It unites industry leaders, experts, and advocates who share a common vision: a world powered by sustainable practices. The Movement was launched in 2021 and has received a positive reaction throughout industry, with hundreds of companies joining in more than 40 countries. www.energyefficiencymovement.com
