PENANG, 20 October 2024 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) has entered a strategic partnership with Cement Industries of Malaysia Berhad (CIMA) and Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) to promote the use of green solutions using eco-friendly marine concrete.

The exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed and Acting Chief Executive Officer of CIMA, Khor Khai Nee was held during the event, and was witnessed by the Governor of Penang, TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Bin Haji Abdul Razak.

This collaboration will utilise the expertise of CIMA in green cement production together with CEMACS’s deep understanding of marine ecosystems to establish a Research Laboratory for Marine Green Concrete, which will focus on testing and developing green cement technologies for marine infrastructure.

The Director of CEMACS, Professor Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai remarked that the collaboration would be able to promote and accelerate the use of green solutions to Malaysia, especially in the state of Penang, innovate marine construction and materials on the path to carbon neutrality and create awareness on sustainable and green development among the public.

CIMA Chairman, Dato' Zaiviji Ismail said that this strategic collaboration will boost and support the Penang Green Agenda 2030, making Penang a leader in building a sustainable and climate resilient state in Malaysia.

Another key focus of this collaboration is the Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary, a crucial biodiversity hotspot off the coast of Penang.

Research which has been done by CEMACS for over 30 years has emphasized its importance for marine biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal defence.

The site had played a critical role in mitigating the impact of the 2004 tsunami on Penang’s coastline.

Today, it stands as a vital line of defence against climate change, helping to protect against rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions.

Also present at the event were Exco for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, YB Tuan Zairil Khir Johari; Exco for Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development, YB Dato’ Haji Rashidi Zinol, and Mayor of Penang Island City Council, Dato’ Ir. Rajendran Anthony.

Text: CEMACS/Editing: MPRC/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa & Shamil Shazwan Abu Bakar