Global Algae Summit 2024

Monash University Malaysia, in collaboration with Leave A Nest Malaysia and Euglena Malaysia, successfully organized the Global Algae Summit (GAS) 2024 on 15th August 2024, held in Monash University Malaysia campus. Now in its second edition, this internationally-focused summit brought together stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to explore the role of algae technology in addressing global challenges such as sustainability, renewable energy, and human nutrition.

The summit drew 188 participants from diverse sectors, with 30% representing Monash University and 22% from local universities. Industry players made up 15% of the attendees, including key corporations such as PETRONAS, alongside international partners Kaltimex Mobiol from Indonesia and Galdieria Co., Ltd. and Innoqua Co., Ltd. from Japan. This international participation underscored the global collaboration driving algae innovation.

A key highlight of the summit was the comprehensive sharing of cutting-edge algae knowledge and advancements. Sessions focused on algae's potential in renewable energy, human nutrition, and sustainability. Experts emphasized the advantages of algae in commercial applications, including biofuels, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Discussions also covered algae's high photosynthetic efficiency and its ability to thrive in non-arable land using minimal resources, making it a highly sustainable option for future industries.

As the strategic partner of the event, the Monash Carbon Capture Conversion (MC3) student team played a pivotal role in organizing and running the entire summit. From ushering and event coordination to emceeing, MC3 managed all aspects of the event alongside with Leave A Nest. MC3 engages students across both the Clayton and Malaysia campuses to tackle real-world energy challenges, particularly in carbon capture and utilization. The student-led initiative provides hands-on opportunities for students to work on innovative projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions. MC3’s work, recognized by the Musk Foundation's Carbon Removal Student Competition, continues to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation.

Keynote speaker Professor Dr. Yusuf Chisti, a distinguished biotechnology expert from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, delivered a presentation on "Microalgae: Production, Products, and Applications." With over 30 years of experience, Prof. Chisti is renowned for his work in microalgae research, focusing on its applications in biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and industrial biotechnology. He highlighted algae’s rapid growth rates, its high CO₂ capture efficiency, and its diverse range of valuable compounds, such as lipids and proteins​.

Monash University staff were actively involved in the event. Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan Eng Seng delivered the officiating remark, Assoc. Prof. Edward Ooi moderated a panel on renewable energy and sustainability featuring panelists from BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia) and PETRONAS, and Dr. Su Chern Foo contributed as a panelist, exploring algae’s potential in human nutrition​.

The summit also featured a Poster Session with 41 research projects, where a Monash University student, Tan Zi Swan, won the Best Poster Award for her research. This achievement highlights the strength of Monash's algae research efforts and its role in advancing knowledge in the field.

The Global Algae Summit 2024 reaffirmed Monash University Malaysia's leadership in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting sustainability, and advancing research in algae technology on a global scale.

Group Photo with Keynote Speaker, Sponsors, Organiser and Co-organisers.

Photo with Organising Committee Members.

Photo with Guest Speaker and Participants.

Research Poster Competition.