PALM OIL INDUSTRY URGED TO REPURPOSE RESIDUALS FOR SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL - LIEW

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- The palm oil industry should explore repurposing residuals as a crucial feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), moving beyond traditional uses of palm oil, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.

He emphasised the need for the palm oil industry, alongside other non-aviation sectors, to contribute to positioning Malaysia at the forefront of the sustainable fuel landscape.

"This is also an opportunity for us to connect Malaysian industries horizontally, so that not only are we supplying the global supply chain, but also creating more domestic innovations and products that will eventually be of relevance globally," he said during the opening remarks at the MyAero Sustainable Aviation Symposium 2024 today.

Liew highlighted the importance of both vertical integration within Malaysian industries and horizontal linkages between sectors to shape the aviation industry's future.

He also referenced the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, detailing 41 initiatives expected to generate RM55.2 billion annually and create 32,000 high-tech jobs by 2030.

"We hope to establish Malaysia as the aerospace hub in the region and the global community, and to build synergy with neighbouring states through promoting supply chain development and the use of sustainable alternatives such as sustainable energy fuel, electricity and hydrogen-based energy," he said.

Meanwhile, National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (Naico) chief executive officer Prof Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah highlighted Malaysia's industry environmental, social and governance (iESG) framework as pivotal for aerospace firms transitioning to sustainable practices.

"This includes initiatives such as developing cleaner technologies, improving fuel efficiency and investing in sustainable manufacturing processes.

"Collaborative partnerships between governments, aerospace companies and research institutions are essential for driving these innovations forward and achieving shared environmental, social and governance goals while maintaining economic viability and competitiveness in the global market," he added.

-- BERNAMA