MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Best Quality Batching Sdn. Bhd. (BQB) to launch an industry-funded research project, aiming at reducing the carbon footprint of concrete production in a significant stride towards a greener and more sustainable Sarawak,
The project, titled “Replacement of Supplemental Cementitious Materials (SCMs) into Mixed Concrete,” seeks to explore how agricultural, industrial, and plastic waste can replace traditional cement materials in ready-mixed concrete, an industry widely known as a major contributor to global carbon emissions.
The MoA signing ceremony, held at Curtin Malaysia’s campus here on July 11, was officiated by Sarawak’s Minister for Transport and Chair of the Curtin Malaysia Management Committee, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
In his speech, Lee hailed the collaboration as “timely and forward-thinking,” highlighting it as a prime example of academia and industry working hand in hand to support the state’s sustainability agenda and the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“By rethinking how we produce concrete, we are taking bold strides to reduce our carbon footprint while transforming agricultural waste into valuable construction resources.
“This collaboration will help position Sarawak as a leader in green technology innovation,” he said.
Representing Curtin Malaysia was acting deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, who spoke on behalf of Pro Vice-Chancellor, president, and chief executive Professor Vincent Lee.
Vu praised BQB as a progressive partner whose sustainability goals align well with Curtin Malaysia’s expertise in engineering, science, and technology.
“Forward-thinking industry partner whose commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Curtin Malaysia’s strengths in engineering, science, and technology.
“This partnership is another example of how Curtin Malaysia is driving innovation that has real-world impact, not just for Sarawak, but for the global construction industry,” he added.
The BQB director Jeremy Yaw Hou Yuen acknowledged the urgency of the project.
“Cement manufacturing remains one of the world’s largest sources of carbon emissions.
“Through this effort, we aim to embrace greener alternatives and reduce our reliance on traditional cement,” he said.
Dr Yong Leong Kong leads the research team, which includes Ir. Dr Lee Yeong Huei, Dr Tina Ting Chui Huon, and Dr Timothy Ting Zhi Hong will assess the feasibility of incorporating Supplemental Cementitious Materials into ready-mixed concrete, with the goal of maintaining structural integrity while significantly lowering environmental impact.