By CINDY TAN malacca@thestar.com.my
MALACCA: The State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is mulling a tie-up with Universiti Teknikal Malaysia (UTEM) in Durian Tunggal to venture into commercialising renewal energy technology.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the SEDC was willing to allocate a manufacturing base for the university who will be responsible for research and development in the field.
“SEDC can provide the land and factory while finds of the UTEM’s research and development can be put to commercial use.
Going green: Mohd Ali (centre) launching the International Conference on Design & Concurrent Engineering (iDECON) at Avillion Hotel.
“This will also help the state source for locally manufactured renewal energy products without importing them at a higher costs,” he said after officiating the Internationnal Conference on Design & Concurrent Engineering Conference here on Monday.
He cited Rembia, Alor Gajah as the state’s emerging solar valley once Sun Power, a US solar panel manufacturer, begins operations here later this year.
“The panels would be manufactured here but the solar cells are supplied by another country.
“So, it would be more efficient and cost effective if such components are sourced locally,” he added.
He suggested for the SEDC and UTEM commit to a start fund of RM1mil each for their venture that could also be used for marketing purposes.
Mohd Ali said Malacca is on track with its aim of becoming a green city by adopting renewal energy for future use.
He called on the 250 delegates comprising engineering students and academicians to use the conference as a platform for new ideas and innovations in the field of renewal energy and green technology.
