BEIJING, May 8 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) marked a pivotal milestone in its global research engagement through a high-level visit to Tsinghua University (THU), one of the world’s top 20 universities and a global leader in science, engineering, and technology innovation. Ranked 20th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, Tsinghua University is internationally recognized for its strengths in energy, environmental science, and sustainability-focused research.

This strategic visit was led by Prof. Dr. Aishah Abdul Jalil, Director of the Centre of Hydrogen Energy (CHE) under the Institute of Future Energy (IFE), UTM. The engagement aimed to build a robust academic and research partnership focused on catalysis development for green hydrogen, renewable energy systems, carbon capture and utilization (CCU), and other critical technologies for a low-carbon future.

The CHE plays a national role as a thought leader and research hub in advancing Malaysia’s hydrogen economy, driving technology development and human capital along the hydrogen value chain. Operating within the IFE, UTM’s multidisciplinary platform for frontier energy research. CHE aligns its initiatives with global sustainability goals, including net-zero targets and responsible energy transitions.

“We are deeply honoured by the warm welcome and insights shared by Prof. Junwang Tang and the research community at Tsinghua University,” said Prof. Aishah. “This visit opens exciting doors for impactful collaboration that aligns with both nations’ ambitions for energy innovation, research excellence, and a sustainable future.”

The UTM delegation explored a broad range of collaborative avenues, including potential for memoranda of understanding (MoUs), joint research grant applications, student and faculty exchange programs, co-organized conferences, and co-authored publications. The visit also emphasized postgraduate and postdoctoral research attachments, a key element in developing globally competent talent.

Prof. Junwang Tang, a Tsinghua University expert in photocatalysis and sustainable energy, pioneers zero-carbon fuel technologies, earning global recognition for impactful research, innovation, and academic leadership in green chemistry, welcomed the collaboration.

“Malaysia and China share strong ambitions in clean energy innovation. Collaborating with UTM, especially through the Centre of Hydrogen Energy and Institute of Future Energy, presents an exciting opportunity to co-develop scalable solutions with global impact,” he noted.

This visit reflects UTM’s growing international presence and commitment to research-driven global partnerships that contribute to major national and global agendas—particularly in clean energy, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

“With the strong support of the CHE and IFE teams, this visit marks just the beginning of a meaningful journey. We are confident that our shared vision will soon translate into real-world technologies, talent development, and impactful research outcomes,” Prof. Aishah added.

As global challenges in energy and climate continue to evolve, synergistic partnerships between institutions like UTM and Tsinghua University will be crucial in shaping the knowledge, technologies, and leadership needed for a cleaner and more sustainable world.

By: Dr. Mohd Fadhzir Ahmad Kamaroddin

Source: UTM NewsHub