by ANIS HAZIM/ file pix

MALAYSIA is set to be the centre to establish the world’s first algae biotechnology consortium (ABC) as an essential solution toward a sustainable planet and to replace over-exhausted fossil fuel products.

The consortium will be facilitated through the 6th International Conference and Postgraduate Colloquium for Environmental Research (Pocer 2022) which was organised biannually by the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM).

The organising chair and Pocer 2022 co-chair Prof Dr Show Pau-Loke from UNM said that the establishment of ABC will consist of more than 30 local and international institutions as well as industrial partners around the world.

“Malaysia will be taking the lead for the consortium as it has a good environment and more sunlight compared to other countries that have four seasons,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) after the inauguration of ABC last Friday.

He also foresees that ABC will create an impact among Malaysian communities in finding sustainable solutions for a sustainable future.

Notably, ABC will be a fundamental source of future food, energy, nutrition, bio products, and ecological services for sustainable practices among societies globally.

“The ABC was formed with the initiative to create a greener future through research-based education, public outreach and engagement as well as to promote the renewable energy potential of algae biomass to transform and develop the human society and environment,” he said.

ABC is focusing on four major elements such as algae cultivation, algal biotechnology, algae storage and identification using artificial intelligence (AI) and commercialisation of algae-based products in Asean.

Meanwhile, Pocer 2022 conference will take place at Langkawi, Kedah from June 9 to 11 at Langkawi that will be co-organized by Human Life Advancement Foundation (HILAF), Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), UCSI University Malaysia and the International Bioprocessing Society (1BPROCS).

“Pocer 2022 is expecting to receive more than 300 scientists, academicians and industrial participants from more than 100 institutions from 30 countries,” he said.

For this year, Pocer is choosing “The Green Industrial Revolution of the Next Decade” as its theme that is timely with the evolution of automated systems and green processing technologies.

Additionally, Pocer 2022 is also working with Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) for the “One Tourist, One Tree Campaign” coordinated by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA).

Through this campaign, participants will be planting a tree to support the conservation of the country’s biodiversity and to enhance the quality of the natural environment in Langkawi.