Witnessed by MOSTI Minister, XMUM Signs MoA with SEED Tech to Advance Nanocellulose for Sustainable Development
Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with SEED Tech Sdn. Bhd., launching a long-term industry-academia strategic partnership to advance sustainable technologies and materials.
This collaboration aims to address pressing global challenges including climate change, fossil fuel depletion, and waste accumulation.
Under this partnership, with a shared a vision of promoting green material production and implementation, both parties intend to explore the potential of bio-derived materials, such as nanocellulose, and their applications through rigorous research, development, commercialization, and innovation.
SEED Tech Sdn. Bhd. invested 5 million RMB (RM 3.1 million) to initiate the project.
The MoA was signed at XMUM by Prof. Wang Ruifang, President of XMUM, and Mr. Yuan Jianbin & Mr. Zhang Liang, co-founders of SEED Tech Sdn. Bhd. Yang Berhormat Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), graced the signing ceremony with his endorsement.
"Malaysia has a robust agricultural industry with underutilized biomass resources. By converting these resources into high-value biomaterials and commodities, we can not only achieve national sustainability goals but also tap into the global bio-product market and drive significant economic growth," stated YB Chang Lih Kang.
The event also welcomed XMUM provosts and delegates from TCC Group, Green Environmental Engineering Sdn. Bhd., IMU University, Monash University Malaysia, the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, UCSI University, and Panda Durian House Stall.
MoA signing between Mr. Yuan Jianbin (Co-founder and Director of SEED Tech Sdn. Bhd.) and Prof. Wang Ruifang (President of XMUM). Withnessed by (from left): Mr. Zhang Liang (Co-founder and Director of SEED Tech Sdn. Bhd), Yang Berhormat Tuan Chang Lih Kang (Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhang Ying (Vice President of XMUM).
Group photo after the MoA signing ceremony
In this case, XMUM, equipped with advanced green energy and material research facilities, provides necessary pool of expertise to engage in high-impact interdisciplinary sustainable projects. SEED Tech complements this with industrial insights and commercialization platforms.
"Nanocellulose is an emerging next-generation material stronger than steel and can be extracted from natural fibres. We can replace petrochemical materials like synthetic polymers with nanocellulose to minimize fossil fuel dependency and non-biodegradable waste," explained Mr. Yuan Jianbin.
Facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Khang Wei, a team of young talents have been conducting research on nanocellulose production from organic wastes like durian husks. Their work also focuses on nanocellulose applications such as food packaging and battery separator materials, through global connections with institutes like University of Tokyo and Monash University for knowledge exchange.
This collaboration between XMUM - the first-ever overseas campus established by a Chinese public university in 2016, and SEED Tech Sdn. Bhd. - a locally-based startup specializing in green technology, symbolizes Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia-China cooperation. Successfully commercializing these innovations will make a significant step towards achieving Mission 3 of Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030): Push for Net Zero.