This year, MIGHT celebrates its 31st anniversary, where it has evolved and grown from an organisation of less than 20 people in 1993 to close to 100 personnel today. Beyond the number of staff, MIGHT’s journey has left its mark in not less than 28 industrial sectors, playing an advisory role to the government, driven by industry-government partnership and consultation, roadmaps, blueprints, and whitepapers, among other things.
While it would not have been apparent at the time, since its early days of technology prospecting, MIGHT’s industry policy advocacy has consistently prioritised sustainability as a central cross-cutting developmental parameter, well before it was ‘de rigour’. The application of Foresight techniques and methodologies further strengthened this. Foresight application made possible quantum advances in policy formulation, by systematically avoiding incremental, piecemeal approaches to problem solving and enabling comprehensive 360-degree assessment.
The National Technology Foresight in 2010 is a case in point. It correctly anticipated ‘environmentally friendly’ as well as ‘aligning with sustainable practices’ as key features of technological suitability in the year 2020. Future technologies were examined in terms of their impact on national security and sovereignty. These encompass not just issues pertaining to the military and defence security of the country, but also information security, as well as those impacting the affordability and accessibility of food, water and energy, all key elements of sustainability.
Another important segment is mobility especially in an increasingly networked society. This includes mobile telecommunications and the dissemination of data and information. Renewable energy source and use of less carbon-intensive materials became key game-changers.
Modular and scalable design in both products and processes also emerged as a significant strategy for commercialisation advancement, application, and spread of technology, in addition to improving the product life cycle.
Pervasive, Multi-Stakeholder Approach
Sustainability is not a novel notion and has always been of interest and concern to all levels of society. However, in light of the current state of the world, sustained and methodical game plans become necessary, particularly when the perils of neglecting it become excessively apparent. Radical uncertainty, unprecedented change and extreme complexity, require new systematic approaches to sustainability, as organic growth is no longer sufficient.
At the highest international level, this takes the form of the global Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 as a declaration of a worldwide commitment to sustainable, resilient and inclusive development through the implementation of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
MIGHT actively participates in the annual Conference of the Parties (COP), where Malaysia is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNDCCC). Through the mobilisation of its multiple platforms, MIGHT’s undertakings directly support Malaysia’s commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 45% in 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
By integrating the principles of foresight and prospecting, MIGHT deep-dives into key areas of intervention by co-developing the Green Technology Foresight 2030 (GTF2030). GTF2030 identified environmentally friendly technology in nine crucial sectors as essential for Malaysia’s long-term success and attainment of carbon neutrality by the year 2050 i.e. Energy, Transportation, Buildings, Manufacturing, Waste, Water, ICT, Agriculture and Forestry.
Again, based on the principle of ‘scalable and replicable’, MIGHT also participated in the GEF-6 (Global Environment Facility) Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot (IAP) designed and implemented by The World Bank. Melaka became one of 28 cities in 11 participating countries to promote sustainable urban development through better integrated models of urban design, planning and implementation.
We established the Malaysia International Centre for Sustainable Cities (MyICSC) portal through the project, conducted extensive capacity-building programmes, and spearheaded a smart grid demonstration project. Perhaps most notably, together with the State Government of Melaka, MIGHT co-developed The Smart Melaka Blueprint 2035 (SMB2035) to address the challenges arising from rapid urbanisation and digital revolution, for Melaka’s sustainable and inclusive growth.
Taking It Home
Perhaps on a smaller scale but no less significant, is MIGHT’s own Net Zero Energy Building effort. In 2021, MIGHT and GSPARX collaborated to install rooftop solar with a capacity of 100.44-kilowatt peak (kWp) through the Net Energy Metering (NEM 2.0) initiative.
MIGHT, together with Wasave Sdn Bhd, also implemented COLDGROW technology on its premises, focusing on advanced cooling and heating systems. The technology utilises Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) cool energy to chill water for air-conditioning purposes. This is projected to reduce MIGHT’s carbon emission by up to 75% and reduce energy use by up to 15% monthly. The Zero Capex business model used, is also designed for easy replicability.
Also in the pipeline is the installation of solar-powered EV charger, virtual energy management system, and other potential emerging technologies. This includes micro-CHP for small buildings, hydrogen fuel cells, battery energy storage systems (BESS), indoor air quality management and rainwater harvesting. These technologies are forecasted to be implemented in stages within five years. These initiatives will then be accounted for, via a Carbon Credit (CC) system, to enable MIGHT to monetise the carbon saved, where it will further add value to the system.
Envisioning A Collaborative And Sustainable Future
It is evident that MIGHT’s approach transcends the conventional boundaries of a think tank. While we continue pursuing our best collective efforts, our journey as a nation and an organisation is still ongoing. MIGHT remains aspired to stay ahead of the curve and respond to the challenges that inevitably come with broad-based changes associated with engraining sustainability practices.
I am optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead as we navigate our collective journey towards a more sustainable and innovative future. MIGHT welcomes all who share our vision for a sustainable world to join us in crafting solutions for a sound, sustainable future for the nation.
