Summary: As the government agency responsible for the global commercialisation of Malaysia’s nanotechnology players, NanoMalaysia’s voyage is facing global pandemic-related headwinds. NanoMalaysia’s CEO Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad To kick off the interview with Disruptive.Asia, NanoMalaysia’s CEO Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad outlined the agency’s scope within the country’s digital economy transformation efforts. Established in 2011, NanoMalaysia primarily looks at the digital economy’s hardware aspects, specifically on nano-enhanced sensors and communication devices forming an internet of nano things systems for applications across multiple sectors particularly farming, water management and clean energy. The AI (artificial intelligence) and software side is provided by other digital economy players, he said. Our triple-helix platform “ accommodating both the National Graphene Action Plan and iNanovation “ congregates the industry, academia and agency on co-ideation and joint development projects. “Moving forward, we will expand into quadruple-helix to include society or end-user representatives.” Triple- and quadruple helix models describe a platform of partnerships involving government, industry and knowledge institutions. The term quadruple helix was used almost a decade ago by Malaysia’s then prime minister when discussing the use of this strategic model in the country’s digital nation aspirations. Guided by current market insights and foresight, NanoMalaysia is quickly pivoting nanotechnology solutions tailored to emerging markets’ needs. “Globally, many economies are seizing the opportunities presented by the Covid-19 inflection point to create new or disruptive ecosystems with the aim of creating high-value businesses, investments, entrepreneurship and job creation opportunities through activation of new value and supply chains.,” he continued. “Clean energy with clear nanotechnology opportunities such as solar, hydrogen and storage systems are two examples that possess multi-sectoral impact.” While frontier technologies “ such as drone tech, AI, IoT (internet of things) and so forth “ promise much to organisations of all sizes, local SMEs (small and medium enterprises) face a capital gap for investment despite their genuine interest in and potential economic benefits of employing the cutting-edge technologies, he explained. “The majority of SMEs operate on a cash flow basis,” he said. “Therefore, any disruption to pre-existing businesses and production processes would jeopardise their delicately balanced financial position.” “Conversely, through innovative business partnerships with frontier technology service providers, SMEs might just be able to jump onto the 4IR bandwagon cost-effectively by avoiding heavy CAPEX [capital expenditure] investments.” Recent 4IR milestones Coincidentally, 2020 was previously earmarked to be a showcase year of success stories for NanoMalaysia. These include a recent partnership between a local “ SME Enhance Track “ and Malaysia power company Tenaga’s Nasional University, UNITEN. This collaboration has pushed out Malaysia’s first long-range radio frequency-based wireless charger system. “This is probably one of the firsts in the world. This technology carries a potential market value of USD81 billion by 2026,” added Dr Rezal. Another milestone is a joint-venture with Pulsar UAV, to develop the world’s first onboard hydrogen generation fuel cell system, which is now being scaled-up for an electric car project called HyPER. Under NanoMalaysia’s nanotechnology commercialisation program, partnerships with Malaysian companies have produced flexible RFID circuits based on graphene conductive inks; environmental sensors; a multiple-purpose advanced energy storage system for automotive and portable applications; an internet of nano things powered smart urban farming kit; a connected e-scooter for delivery services’ as well as hydrogen-powered drones and an autonomous system kit for vehicular applications. “The above-listed 4IR- [4th Industrial Revolution-] related innovations are prime examples of key outputs from our triple-helix platform involving agency, industry and academia,” said Dr Rezal. Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation YB Khairy Jamaluddin at METT launch When officiating the recent launch of the Malaysia Energy Transmission Technology, known as METT, the minister of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI) YB Khairy Jamaluddin noted it as ‘Malaysia’s very first wireless radio frequency charger system, possibly also the first in the region if not the world.’ “This frontier technology was co-ideated and developed by Enhance Track together with NanoMalaysia,” added Dr Rezal. The minister took the opportunity to point to various government’s digitalisation initiatives, including a national technology and innovation sandbox (NTIS) to encourage and the ease conditions in the testing process to push local technological developments.