Prof Shahrina (second from right), pictured with the Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, providing an overview of the LINAWA project, which focuses on enhancing the production of signature products in the Lawas region of Sarawak, namely Adan rice and Arabica coffee.
AS the world looks to address the challenges brought on by climate change, sustainable energy, low-carbon solutions and smart infrastructure that shape the future of communities have become increasingly crucial.
At Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), these innovations are driven by the Institute of Smart and Sustainable Living (ISSL).
The institute’s mission is to deliver smart and sustainable living solutions through technologies and social innovation that contribute to a net-zero carbon future and enhance community well-being.
Institute director Prof Dr Shahrina Md Nordin says the institute, which is made up of seven dedicated research centres and 80 researchers, plays a significant role in elevating the standards in the industry and community, both at the national and international levels.
The Centre of Innovative Nanostructure and Nanodevices (COINN) for example, is a national Centre of Excellence (COE) in nanotechnology under the Science, Technology and Innovations Ministry (Mosti).
It fosters cutting-edge research and applications in nanotechnology to address societal and industrial challenges.
The Centre of Social Innovation (COSI) is another renowned national hub, which maintains an affiliation with Prof Muhammad Yunus, a pioneer of social business.
The centre’s partnership with the Nobel Laureate emphasises social business and innovation as key pillars and supports initiatives that drive social impact and community transformation.
The Centre for Urban Resource Sustainability (CURES) has also been in the spotlight thanks to one of its key initiatives – the promotion of the circular economy, a model that emphasises resource efficiency, waste minimisation and sustainability across industries and communities.
Collaborating with the District Office for Perak Tengah, CURES has established a Circular Economy Hub to promote resource efficiency and sustainable development at the regional level, setting a model for wider adoption especially for farmers in the district.
Projects undertaken at ISSL fall under the main themes of sustainable energy and low-carbon solutions, circular economy of waste to alternative energy and wealth, smart and intelligent mobility, advanced materials and social innovation for community sustainability.
One of the milestone projects undertaken to date is the photovoltaic (PV) cooling studies, which provide valuable insights into optimising PV systems for increased energy output, reduced degradation and improved return on investment.
The institute is also positioning itself as a leader in green hydrogen development.
Its work encompasses research and innovation and the development of efficient and cost-effective green hydrogen production methods as well as the implementation of pilot projects to showcase the viability of green hydrogen in various applications, including power generation, industrial processes and transportation.
Equally important to the institute are social innovation projects that align with global sustainable development goals and at the same time deliver on long-term societal benefits.
From rural electrification to wastewater treatment projects, the institute strives to drive both innovation and deliver impact for the benefit of society and the environment.
Dr Teh Hee Min’s mangrove restoration and socioeconomic development project (through a collaboration with Wetlands International Malaysia and Yayasan Hasanah Grant) for instance, works to instil awareness to the local community and other stakeholders on the importance of protecting the mangrove forest.
“We undertake research with passion and empathy,” Prof Shahrina says, pointing to projects that uplift indigenous communities.
The LINAWA project, developed in the Lawas area of Sarawak, for example, focuses on enhancing the production of the region’s signature products, Adan rice and Arabica coffee.
In collaboration with Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), ISSL developed a special formulation for the coffee, ensuring high quality and distinct local flavour.
The project received funding from Peduli Insan and PETRONAS Carigali, which supported every stage, from community engagement to final production.
“LINAWA empowers local farmers, strengthens their livelihoods, and brings their rich flavours to a broader market, making it a prime example of sustainable growth and community enrichment,” says Prof Shahrina.
In addition to local collaborations, the institute has also secured significant international partnerships.
It is one of the first recipients of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) funding in 2023 and has since secured additional grants for projects on circular economy practices within the green hydrogen and construction industries; proof that its knowledge and expertise is critical to Apec’s 21-member economies.
The institute also participates in large-scale projects funded by the European Union focusing on innovation, technology and sustainability.
It works with The British Council, for example, to connect with European universities and industries for International Science Partnerships Fund grant applications.
It also undertakes international collaborative research grants with universities such as Universitas of Lampung and Institut Teknologi Bandung (both in Indonesia), and Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan.
ISSL also collaborates with global corporations and research organisations for innovation in energy and technology.
In the area of promoting carbon trading framework, environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability manufacturing for example, it has joined forces with The Murata Science Foundation, which is involved in studies in Malaysia and Japan.
Prof Shahrina says ISSL’s achievements to date reflect its holistic approach to addressing societal and environmental challenges through research excellence, strategic partnerships, sustainability and inclusivity.
The institute prides itself in the development of high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) projects, for example Assoc Prof Dr Hisham Mohamad’s high-TRL product – the Smart Geopipe – developed at the Smart Infrastructure Modelling and Monitoring Centre has received early adopter feedback with a Memorandum of Business Exploration inked with UEM Bhd.
Another high-TRL project is the development of geopolymer well cement strength by
Prof Dr Nasir Shafiq, a TRL-7 product innovated in collaboration with PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd.
For the path ahead, Prof Shahrina says ESG considerations and the growing demand for ESG awareness is a key driver for the institute; pointing out that the government’s introduction of enhanced ESG guidelines, which require more detailed ESG disclosures from large corporates, has further accelerated the focus on these areas.
“Many organisations are seeking to educate their employees on sustainability practices.
“To meet this demand, we are developing specialised sustainability courses that focus on ESG principles.
“These courses are tailored to meet each organisation’s unique needs, ensuring they are both relevant and impactful.” To date, she says, the institute has collaborated with several organisations in their ESG journey.
“For instance, we have collaborated with Bank Rakyat and Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to provide customised ESG training for their staff. Our goal is to empower more organisations to integrate sustainability into their core practices, fostering meaningful and lasting change.”
What’s critical to the institute is ensuring that its initiatives align with the country’s national priorities, especially in the areas of energy transition and the circular economy.
The launching of the Energy Transition Malaysia Alliance (ET-MAce) to support the country’s energy transition goals and the establishment of the Professional Alliance for Circular Economy (PACE) to foster innovation and collaboration between public and private sector leaders are just some of ISSL’s contribution on smart and sustainable communities at the national level.
The long-term planning of the Malaysia Smart City Innovation Hub (a collaboration with the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology that is seeking funding from Mosti) also integrates with ISSL’s smart innovations in transportation, infrastructure, clean energy and water and waste management.
This hub, coupled with the development of a Smart City Blueprint for the local government, presents opportunities in circular economy and smart city solutions.
The increasing focus on sustainability and smart living around the globe buoyed Prof Shahrina’s optimism of the institute’s prospects.
She sees significant opportunities for growth in areas such as renewable energy, circular economy and sustainability, smart infrastructure, education and ESG initiatives.
With renewable energy for example, she points out that the global shift towards clean energy offers a wealth of opportunities for ISSL’s projects, particularly in areas such as green hydrogen, floating solar technology and energy optimisation.
“These technologies will play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero emissions, opening doors for strategic collaborations with governments, industries, and international organisations.”
Likewise, as urbanisation continues, the demand for smart cities and intelligent infrastructure solutions will grow.
“ISSL’s work in structural health monitoring, advanced materials and sensor technology offers an opportunity to contribute to smarter, more resilient urban planning and development.
“The future is bright, with a wealth of opportunities to lead impactful projects in sustainable innovation.
“Through collaborations with key partners, ISSL aims to continue expanding its influence and contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability agenda,” she adds.
Further strengthening the institute and its prospects are the credentials of the institute leadership.
Prof Shahrina, who has held various leadership roles at UTP in the last 24 years was recently elected as the Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and Fellow of Energy Institute, UK.
Internationally recognised as an expert in social innovation and sustainability, she is currently an appointed Peer Reviewer under United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The institute’s researchers have bagged several local and international awards in 2024.
Assoc Prof Dr Bashar S Mohammed’s TherecoBlock, for example, won gold at the International Innovation Awards, Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE).
ISSSL researchers won 8 awards at the MTE 2024 Sustainable Energy and Green Technology International Innovation Awards.
Teh and Prof Shahrina were named Outstanding Award Winners respectively for the H-Float: Adaptive Wave Defense for Coastal Sustainability and Linawa Formulated Adan Rice and Arabica Coffee.
The Smart Geopipe bagged Hisham the Gold Award, while Assoc Prof Dr Satirenjit Kaur Johl won Gold for the Ecodrivex for AI Driven Eco-Innovation Prediction.
Prof Dr Abdul Rashid Abd Aziz meanwhile won Silver for the Flexi-Fuel-Free-Piston Linear Generator.
In addition, four of the institute’s researchers, Prof Datuk Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Prof Nasir, Prof Abdul Rashid and Bashar were recognised by Elsevier BV and Stanford University as among the world’s top 2% of scientists.
These achievements highlight the researcher's capabilities at ISSL in spearheading efforts to advance smart and sustainable living solutions. Through innovative technologies and social innovation, their work contributes significantly to a net-zero carbon future while enhancing the overall well-being of communities.
For more information and enquiries on UTP ISSL, visit www.utp.edu.my