Curtin Malaysia academics share Malaysia’s climate and energy transition vision at international seminar

Miri, Sarawak – 21 November 2025 – Two academics from Curtin University Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science represented Malaysia on the global stage at the recent International Seminar on Asia-Pacific Perspectives on Climate Change and the Energy Transition, contributing key insights to regional discussions on sustainable energy, technology, and policy.

Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Bridgid Chin Lai Fui and Associate Professor Jundika Candra Kurnia joined leading experts from Malaysia, Australia, and Japan in Kuching for the high-level seminar, which aimed to strengthen international collaboration on climate resilience, energy justice, and sustainable innovation.

Jointly hosted by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), the Universiti Malaya, and Curtin Malaysia, the seminar was held in collaboration with a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) research programme led by Nagoya University and supported by the Kajima Foundation.

The event was officiated by His Excellency Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, who in his opening address highlighted the shared regional commitment to decarbonisation and posed a key challenge: “How can Japan and Malaysia step up cooperation to realise the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC)?”

In her presentation, Ir. Dr. Chin shared her pioneering research titled ‘Advancing the Energy Transition through Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass’. She discussed emerging pathways in biomass utilisation and renewable fuel production, highlighting her team’s research and development work in green technology as a viable route to decarbonisation and circular energy systems.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jundika moderated an expert panel on ‘The Role of Technology in the Energy Transition’, featuring Professor Shanti Faridah Salleh from UNIMAS, who emphasised innovation-driven energy acceleration in Malaysia, and Professor Hiroshi Machida of Nagoya University, who explored the integration of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) across Asia-Pacific economies.

In her concluding remarks, Professor Tomoko Ishikawa of Nagoya University reminded participants that the energy transition is not only a technical or economic undertaking but also a moral and legal obligation rooted in social justice and equity.

Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, praised the university’s participation in the seminar.

“Curtin Malaysia is proud to contribute to global dialogues that shape the future of sustainable energy,” said Professor Lee. “Our academics’ active engagement reflects our commitment to research excellence and to supporting Sarawak’s and Malaysia’s clean energy ambitions.”

The seminar concluded with a shared pledge among academics, policymakers, and industry leaders to intensify collaborative efforts for a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy future across the Asia-Pacific.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

From left, Dr. Jundika, Ir. Dr. Chin, His Excellency Noriyuki Shikata and Professor Poline Bala of UNIMAS.

His Excellency Noriyuki Shikata delivering his keynote address on Japan–Malaysia cooperation towards a sustainable future.