NanoMalaysia signs MoU with 10 manufacturing firms

NanoMalaysia Bhd, a company limited by guarantee under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, has inked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 10 manufacturing companies under Malaysia’s National Graphene Action Plan 2020 (NGAP 2020).

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Malaysia’s Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau, together with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit Datuk Seri Idris Jala and Chairman of NanoMalaysia Datuk Ir Dr Zawawi Ismail.

Madius said the five identified priority focus areas are lithium-ion batteries, rubber additives, nanofluids (drilling fluids and lubricants), conductive inks and plastic additives.

In a statement released in conjunction with the ceremony, Madius said the MoUs have the potential to contribute MYR 20 billion (USD 4.8 billion) to Malaysia’s gross national income and create 9,000 new jobs in selected industries by 2020.

“Currently, graphene, a carbon-based nanomaterial, is still early in its development cycle and I hope these collaborative projects will uplift the economy of the country towards a high-income nation through science, technology and innovation,” he said.

Meanwhile, NanoMalaysia CEO Rezal Khairi Ahmad said graphene, which was discovered in 2004, can increase the durability of plastics and rubber, making products and mechanical system parts much more durable.

He said graphene is expected to play a revolutionary role in the coming years, with Malaysia getting the opportunity to become one of the early leaders in adopting graphene.