KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has successfully organised an inaugural seminar with the theme ‘Hydrogen Economy – Building a Sustainable Ecosystem in Shaping the Future of Energy, Materials & Infrastructure today at Perdana Hall, MIDA Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. The seminar was held to promote investments in the hydrogen economy to support the government’s agenda in attracting quality and sustainable investments in the new economy that uses innovative and cutting-edge technologies to boost industrial production and economic growth.

The Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Liew Chin Tong, in his keynote address, expressed “While hydrogen has been identified as a fuel for the future in Malaysia's National Energy Policy, we are still in the process of developing a comprehensive roadmap and strategy for the hydrogen economy. The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, together with the National Nanotechnology Centre, are currently drafting the National Hydrogen Strategy. Once the National Hydrogen Strategy is agreed upon and implemented, MITI will engage relevant stakeholders to identify the right incentives and facilities, such as tax breaks, capital allowances, financial assistance, and R&D, to attract investments in hydrogen production, infrastructure, and ecosystem development. This will facilitate the country's transition to a hydrogen economy, benefiting both industry and the rakyat.”

The seminar started with a welcome address by MIDA Chairman, YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, followed by a keynote address by YB Liew Chin Tong, the Deputy Minister of International and Industry (MITI). Malaysia's renowned researchers and experts in hydrogen technology, YBhg. Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Wan Ramli Wan Daud and YBhg. Prof. Dato. Ir. Dr. A Bakar Jaafar, also attended. Additionally, Mr. Mikaa Mered, a French Hydrogen Task Force member and Green Hydrogen Ambassador for IAHE, joined virtually from Marseille, France.

YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of MIDA, highlighted, “Hydrogen has the potential to play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy in the future. “Green" hydrogen is the term used to describe the production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources. Given our country’s abundant and widely spread solar resources as well as the government’s commitment to shift towards renewable energy, the time is suitable for industry players and investors to tap into the potential of "green" hydrogen production.”

Tan Sri Sulaiman mentioned that MIDA is currently providing comprehensive support and facilitation to the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy Sdn. Bhd. and relevant stakeholder to realise the investments in green hydrogen and related projects in Sarawak. “Malaysia is poised to play a pivotal role in the global shift towards a sustainable future through its investment in green hydrogen projects and related ecosystem development “ he added.

YB Liew Chin Tong also launched the Malaysian Association of Hydrogen Energy (MAHE) to the industry players during the seminar. MAHE is a platform to synergise efforts towards the development of a Malaysian Hydrogen Energy Blueprint, establishing academia-industry project collaborations, development of hydrogen project demonstrations, consultations for knowledge and technology transfers, and planning for human capital development.

This event has successfully promoted the hydrogen economy and its potential to shape the future of energy, materials, and infrastructure. The Malaysian government and relevant agencies are committed to supporting the development of a sustainable ecosystem for hydrogen production and infrastructure, and to attract investments in this new economy.

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channels.

 Associated images for the media release can be found at
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LC9fBCpb1nBpBdRs5svoU7FMsU1zgdq1?usp=share_link

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Mr. Syed Kamal Muzaffa bin Syed Hassan Sagaff
Director, Advanced Technology and Research & Development Division, MIDA
Email: syedkamal@mida.gov.my
Tel: + 603- 2267 3636

--BERNAMA