By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 13: Sarawak is looking at the possibility of producing composite materials from its gas resources to meet the demands of aviation industry.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said in material science, composites can be created through gases including methanol, ammonia and so on.
“Such (natural resources) will allow us to produce new composite materials which is demanded by the world today in the circular economy.
“That is why Sarawak put emphasis on material science as this composite will be a very important material in the future as this is required by many industries including the aviation industry,” he said during Politeknik Kuching Sarawak’s (PKS) 30th Convocation Ceremony held at Imperial Hotel here today.
Material science is among the three subjects which Abang Johari has urged youths to focus on as Sarawak explores new economies, with the other two being engineering and biochemistry.
Abang Johari who is also the Minister for Finance and New Economy, Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, and Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, further said the two subjects are very important to supply a skilled workforce in the new industries.
On biochemistry, he said Sarawak has an abundance of biology resources through the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and the State government will soon set up a Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) which will require a lot of biochemistry experts.
“We are also in the midst of setting up a petrochemical hub in Bintulu where it will require experts in gas chemistry as we want to produce hydrogen from our water and gas resources.
“We have a hydro dam to produce hydro energy. We also have water and this water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. At our dam, we can also produce solar energy through solar panel.
“This means we are able to produce renewable energy, what’s left needed is the technology and the experts in those fields,” he emphasised.
During a press conference afterwards, Abang Johari explained to the press that Sarawak hopes to manufacture composite materials to assemble aircraft since the aviation industry today outsources components in building aircraft.
He also said if Sarawak succeeds in embarking on biofuel production from algae cultivation, there is a possibility that the aircrafts in the future will not only be light and long range but powered by sustainable fuel with no smoke, too.
A total of 1,359 graduates are expected to receive their scrolls at the two-day convocation ceremony which took place since yesterday (Sept 12).
The graduates comprised of December 2020 Session (851) and First Session of 2021/2022 (508).
Also present were Polytechnic and Community College Education Department director (Examination and Evaluation Division) Dr Norhayati Ibrahim and PKS director Hikmatullah Hajid Ahmad Khan. — DayakDaily
