Universiti Malaysia Sabah Researchers Awarded RM5.75 million Grant

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor witnessed the presentation of the Petronas-Academia Collaboration Dialogue (PACD) Awards on 8 February 2024 at Menara Kinabalu.

Seven researchers from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) were awarded a RM5.75 million grant under the PACD to carry out research in green energy-related fields such as clean energy storage systems, bio-energy development, efficient hydrogen generation, as well as in operational efficiency through data science and artificial intelligence.

Hajiji lauded Petronas’ green energy and human capital development initiatives to complement Sabah’s priority in these sectors. Petronas Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management, Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, presented the award to the seven researchers: Prof Madya Dr Mailin Misson, Ir Dr Mohd Azlan Ismail, Dr Zarina Amin, Dr Ng Chi Huey, Dr Nazrien Adrian Amaludin, Dr Goh Poh Wah, and Dr Ervin Gubin Moung.

“These awards and the initiatives will benefit Sabah’s quest to explore and promote sustainable solutions in energy related fields that align with global sustainability goals, this is where industries are moving globally, and the State Government wants to ensure this is also adopted locally," said the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, on 08 February 2024 at the Petronas-Academia Collaboration Dialogue (PACD) Awards, Menara Kinabalu.

The event coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF). Under the agreement, the two universities offer a one-year foundation programme for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia top achievers from Sabah to pursue bachelor’s degrees in science and engineering programmes at the UTP campus in Perak. The collaboration between the two universities is an excellent human capital development initiative to give top Sabah SPM achievers not only education and training opportunities but also to develop a skilled labour force, the Chief Minister said.