From left to right: Dato’ Azman Mahmud, CEO of MIDA, Dato’ Mah Siew Keong, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia, Mark Rozario, CEO of AIM, Marie Sjödin Enström, MD of Scania SEA, HE Mrs Kristina Persson, Minister for Strategic Development & Nordic Cooperation of Sweden, HE Mr Bengt G Carlsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Scania Malaysia and Agensi Innovasi Malaysia (AIM).
I was recently invited to do some coverage at the Sweeden-Malaysia Innovation Day 2015 ministerial level round-table discussion here in MIDA, Kuala Lumpur a few days ago. There I witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Swedish manufacturer Scania and the Malaysia Innovation Agency (AIM). The MoU's purpose is the collaboration by the Malaysian Government, via AIM and Scania to explore viable commercial opportunities for biofuels from municipal waste in Malaysia in line with Malaysia's National Biomass Strategy 2020 (NBS 2020).Scania was represented by the Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström, and AIM, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Rozario.
Now biofuels turn waste into clean energy, increase security of fuel supply and improve local economies, help create local job opportunities and industrial development. The collaboration study includes identification of possible project locations, price and market demand projections and economic and operational feasibility. Scania has the technology to catalyse this project as it has been one of the main contributors to the development and adaptation of biofuels, developing and producing commercial biofuel-based transport solutions for over 20 years in Sweden and in around the world.
How does a company, namely a truck and bus manufacturer have such technology you may ask? Aside from producing commercial vehicles and doing lots of research & development on trucks and buses that can run on biofuel, one must note that most Swedish companies are very innovative. 99% of all waste is recycled into one form or another in Sweden. It is this implementation of recycling within Scania itself that allows such knowhow to be shared with others.And furthermore, what better way to conduct social responsibility programs globally with something that one is already familiar with. Do also add the fact that biofuel from municipal waste still requires transport, i.e garbage trucks, which Scania does supply. An win-win solution. These days, marketing, sales, CSR do things hand in hand. Added value.
As I was present at the Innovation day, it is not only companies like Scania who are Swedish innovators, there are others in various fields - Saab is in aviation, SKF does world class seals and bearings, Atlas Copco does quality compressors, construction equipment, tools and assembly systems and more. You may also note that Volvo and Ikea are Swedish products too. They are very forward thinking and it would be beneficial for a country like Malaysia to learn from this country and their people. Technology makes lives better most of the time. And so, I do hope that Malaysia as a whole would put more emphasis on technology so that we do not get left behind.
Anyway, according to what I have learnt, the study conducted between Scania and AIM will take a while. It will be an ongoing venture with some results out within a year or so.
PRESS RELEASE
Scania accelerates the creation of high-value products and jobs through converting waste to wealth in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur, 17th of November, 2015 – Scania Malaysia (Scania) and Agensi Inovasi Malaysia or Malaysia Innovation Agency (AIM) are to collaborate in exploring viable commercial opportunities for biofuels from municipal waste in Malaysia; in line with the National Biomass Strategy 2020 (NBS 2020).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today between Scania represented by the Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström, and AIM, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Rozario.
Witnessing the signing were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Y.B. Dato’ Mah Siew Keong and Sweden’s Minister for Strategic Development and Nordic Cooperation H.E. Mrs Kristina Persson; at the Sweden-Malaysia Innovation Day 2015 (SMID).
The MOU will see Scania and AIM conduct a feasibility study on the commercial opportunities of biofuels from municipal waste in Malaysia. The study includes identification of possible project locations, price and market demand projections and economic and operational feasibility.
Biofuels help clean up the air and reduce the carbon footprint from transport. Biofuels turn waste into clean energy, increase security of fuel supply and improve local economies, help create local job opportunities and industrial development. These are in line with NBS 2020’s aim to develop new industries and high-value opportunities by utilising biomass for high value products. Malaysia aims to be at the forefront of the development of new biomass-based industries, ultimately contributing towards Malaysia’s GNI and high-value job creation.
Scania has the technology to catalyse this project as it has been one of the main contributors to the development and adaptation of biofuels, developing and producing commercial biofuel-based transport solutions for over 20 years in Sweden and in around the world.
“Long-term business success means delivering greater profitability along with efficiency, CO2 reductions and social and ethical responsibility. Scania is proud to take the lead in the shift towards a sustainable transport system,” said Marie. “This means integrating sustainability fully into businesses and working with AIM to transform Malaysia towards creating lasting value.”
