U.S. – Malaysia Clean Tech Forum 2024

U.S. – Malaysia Clean Tech Forum 2024

On June 12, AMCHAM, in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service Malaysia, Clean Edge Asia, and the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, hosted the U.S. – Malaysia Clean Tech Forum 2024. Building on the success of the previous Clean Tech Forum, this forum brought together vital U.S. and Malaysian stakeholders to explore collaborative approaches to achieving a clean economy.

With a special focus on Sarawak, the forum delved into best practices in Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) and Green Hydrogen, featuring expert speakers from both nations.

The event was graced by the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honorable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, who provided the keynote address. 

The first panel session of the day – Pathways Towards Common Goals. This session was moderated by Siobhan Das, CEO of AMCHAM and focused on Sarawak’s role in strengthening Malaysia’s transition policy, technology, and financing tools. Joining her were four esteemed panelists:

  • YB Datuk Hj Hazland Bin Abg Hj Hipni, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environment Sustainability (MEESty) 
  • Geoffrey Tan, Managing Director, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
  • Kevin Toohers, Regional Manager for SEA and Pacific, U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA) 
  • Christina Cheah, Head of Global Banking, HSBC Malaysia

In line with last year’s format, attendees were divided into two breakout sessions: CCS and Green Hydrogen. These sessions offered a thorough exploration of immediate and long-term strategies in these sectors.

The session on CCS was moderated by Faez Abdul Razak, Partner, Wong & Partners and featured:

  • Dr. James Foo, Chief Operating Officer at Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS)
  • Michael Harrison, Partner at Baker Botts
  • Eric Strayer, Vice President, International Business and Partner Development at FuelCell Energy
  • Jasmine Voo, Sustainability Director, Value Creation of PricewaterhouseCoopers

The session on Green Hydrogen featured Dato’ Ami Moris, Executive Chair, Cypark Resources Berhad as moderator. Speakers featured: 

  • Robert Hardin, Chief Executive Officer at SEDC Energy (SEDCE)
  • Ramani Velu, President, Southeast Asia at Air Products and Chemicals
  • Ir. James Ung, Group Chief Operating Officer at Sarawak Energy Berhad
  • Adam Bacon, Vice President Asia at Bloom Energy.

The final panel, focusing on next steps, was moderated by Francis ‘Chip’ Peters of the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur and included insights from breakout session moderators, with participation from Yeong Chuan “YC” Lim of Honeywell.

We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers and panelists for their invaluable contributions. Special thanks to HSBC for their Platinum Sponsorship, which was instrumental in the success of this forum. We trust that attendees gained valuable insights to propel their Clean Tech initiatives forward.