Malaysia a world leader in manufacturing of solar power technology, says minister

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN: Malaysia is a world leader when it comes to solar power, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.

"Malaysia is the second largest manufacturer of photovoltaic modules and the third largest producer of photovoltaic cells in the world," said Tangau in his speech at the Astana Expo 2017 here on Monday.

He added that four of the world's top five photovoltaic cell manufacturers are located in Malaysia and said that solar energy is a key contributor to national economic growth due to the nation's strategic location on the world's sun belt.

"We recognize that this natural resource is important if we are to be a leader of innovation in green technology," said Tangau.

Meanwhile, Bioindustrial Bioeconomy Corporation senior vice president Zainal Azman Abu Kassim said in his speech that green innovations were one of the catalysts of sustainability in bio-based industries and the bio-economy.

"Our presence here at the Astana Expo 2017 illustrates how seriously we take green innovations in driving our bio-economy forward while finding solutions for global sustainability issues through cooperation with international players," he said.

Zainal Azman added that Malaysian companies participating in the Expo were there to foster economic growth through the sharing of innovative technologies, supporting biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Astana Expo 2017 kicked off on June 10 with the participation of some 100 nations and more than 10 international organisations in various events.

The main theme of the 93-day expo is "Energy of the Future", which addresses the global problem of energy consumption.