7.4 – Energy and the community

7.4.1 – Local community outreach for energy efficiency

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has been actively involved in community outreach programs that promote energy efficiency and clean energy. These initiatives are critical in raising awareness and educating the local community on the importance of adopting sustainable energy practices. By engaging with the public through various programs, UKM is contributing significantly towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. UKM local community outreach for energy efficiency program empowers communities by sharing knowledge, resources, and sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental responsibility. Through workshops, partnerships, and hands-on initiatives, UKM educates local communities on practical energy-saving methods, renewable energy adoption, and efficient resource use. This outreach not only strengthens UKM commitment to sustainability but also fosters a culture of eco-consciousness, enabling communities to take actionable steps toward a greener future.

Summary of the Local community outreach for energy efficiency programs

No	Local community outreach for energy efficiency programs
1	Solar Awareness Program and Solar panel installation at Community Centre of Flat Industries Lembah Jaya , Ampang, Kuala Lumpur and PPR Beringin Kepong
2	Professor@school : solar flare monitoring
3	SELFUEL OPEN DAY: “Fueling Change: Hydrogen for a Net Zero World”
4	2nd International Conference on Sustainable Renewable and Energy Efficiency (ICSREE 2024)
5	1st International Symposium on Solar H2 (SSH2024)

1. Solar Awareness Program and Solar panel installation at Community Centre of Flat Industries Lembah Jaya , Ampang, Kuala Lumpur and PPR Beringin Kepong

The five (Session 1 : 21-22 February 2024, Session 2: 28-29 February 2024, Session 3: 6-7 March 2024, Session 4: 28 Mei 2024 and Session 5: 30 Mei 2024) series of Celik Solar programs have been successfully conducted at three (3) different community hubs in Flat house at Kuala Lumpur. The locations are Flat Industry Lembah Jaya Ampang, Sri Raya Ampang, and PPR Beringin Kepong. A total of 147 kids 9-12 years old participated in this program. This program aimed to increase the knowledge of solar energy education to the residents of low-cost strata houses. The program covered the topic of global warming, solar energy, solar cell technology, solar panel installation at house, reducing electricity bill and job scope in solar energy field. The Celik Solar program successfully brought together community and academicians in university into one program. The expert in the solar energy field contributed in demonstrating real-life applications of renewable energy to the community. 

Besides, the Solar panel has been installed at Community Centre of Flat Industri Lembah Jaya , Ampang, Kuala Lumpur and PPR Beringin Kepong was organized by Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) in involved the community level include Centre Flat Industri Lembah Jaya, Ampang, Kuala  Lumpur and PPR Beringin , Kepong, Kuala Lumpur . This project aimed to install solar power systems at two community hubs in low-cost strata housing in Kuala Lumpur to enhance residents’ knowledge and understanding of solar energy technologies.

Source:
www.ukm.my/seri/upcoming-events/conference/celik-solar/
https://web.facebook.com/mnasolarmnagadgetz/posts/819056330235878?rdid=NvfXvZUlZ63bF7pm#

2. Professor@school : solar flare monitoring

On 4 December 2024, the STEM project Professor@School: Solar Flare Monitoring was held at IPI Seminar Room, UKM Research Complex. The program, attended by 20 students from Sekolah Agama Menengah Tinggi Tengku Ampuan Jemaah Shah Alam, introduced participants to space weather and the use of the Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance (SID) system for monitoring solar activities. Students gained hands-on experience in data analysis and building circuits for solar flare monitoring, guided by Prof. Ir. Dr. Mardina Abdullah and facilitators, fostering STEM interest and knowledge in space weather technology.

Source: www.ukm.my/ipi/gallery/stem-untuk-semua-professor-at-school

3. SELFUEL OPEN DAY: “Fueling Change: Hydrogen for a Net Zero World”

The SELFUEL OPEN DAY: “Fueling Change: Hydrogen for a Net Zero World” was organized by Sel Fuel Institute (SELFUEL) in collaboration with UKMShape. The program also involves many agencies, categorized by level, including industry players such as Lestari H2Gaas Sdn. Bhd., Lynas Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Hydrexia Sdn. Bhd., Gexcon Malaysia, and Cogebi Asia Sdn. Bhd.; government bodies such as the National Nanotechnology Centre under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI); and community organizations such as the Malaysian Hydrogen Energy Association (MAHE) and the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM). This event, open to the public with free admission at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), is designed to raise awareness about the development of a hydrogen economy in Malaysia, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): Affordable and Clean Energy. By promoting hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source, the event aims to accelerate Malaysia’s energy transition and foster innovation in clean energy technologies.

The event features 7 pocket talk series, each focusing on critical aspects of the hydrogen economy, including:

• Technology Development: Exploring cutting-edge innovations in hydrogen production, storage, utilization, and safety.
• Technology Deployment Strategies: Discussing pathways to integrate hydrogen technologies into Malaysia’s energy landscape.
• Current Status in Malaysia: Assessing the progress and challenges of hydrogen adoption in the country.
• Green Finance: Highlighting the role of financial mechanisms in supporting the growth of a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.

These talks are designed to educate participants including students, researchers, industry professionals, and the general public on the importance of hydrogen as a key driver for a greener future.

Source: www.ukm.my/selfuel/selfuel-open-day

4. 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Renewable and Energy Efficiency (ICSREE 2024)

On 7-8 August 2024, the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Renewable and Energy Efficiency (ICSREE 2024), organized by the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), brought together a diverse range of participants from academia, industry, and government to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of sustainable energy. This international platform was supported by leading institutions including SERI and Selfuel from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research & Technology (INOR) from Universiti Sains Malaysia, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (Oman), Southeast University (Bangladesh), and Universitas Indonesia. Industry partners such as Business Events Sarawak, Integrated Environmental Solution (IES), Malaysia Green Building Council (MGBC), Uzma Berhad, Solarvest Holdings Berhad, Novasource Power Services, H2 Energy Sdn Bhd, and IESVE Singapore PTE LTD also played a vital role in the event. Additionally, the conference received support from the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA), reflecting strong governmental commitment to advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. The program was aimed to raise awareness in the field of renewable energy and facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge among professionals, academics, and researchers from various countries.Participants will present their research findings and case studies in renewable energy, and these presentations will be published in international journals.

Source: www.ukm.my/icsree

5. 1st International Symposium on Solar H2 (SSH2024)

The Solar Hydrogen Research Group, part of the Fuel Cell Institute-Higher Education Center of Excellence (HICoE) at UKM, has organised the 1st International Symposium on Solar Hydrogen (SSH2024) on September 9th-10th 2024. This eagerly anticipated conference, set to host over 100 participants, will take place in person and will center around the convergence of various fields and applications within solar and hydrogen technology, with a particular focus on materials and systems. The symposium explores the fields of green and renewable energy, addressing vital aspects of sustainable technology. SSH2024 aims to facilitate the gathering of scholars, researchers, scientists, practitioners, and students engaged in the solar and hydrogen technology domain. The primary objective is to foster discussions on novel developments, innovative concepts, best practices, and real-world experiences. 

SSH2024 is designed to cover a broad spectrum of topics, including Solar Hydrogen for Systems, Hydrogen Technology, Materials, Life-cycle Analysis & Economy, and Miscellaneous areas encompassing green technology, renewable energy, nanotechnology, and more. Join us in exploring and advancing the frontiers of solar and hydrogen technology at this landmark symposium.

Source: www.ukm.my/ssh/program