MUM & CCE MoU - Collaborating for a Cleaner, Greener Future

From left to right: Dr Foo Su Chern (Senior Lecturer, Monash University Malaysia); Professor Emily Goh Joo Kheng (Head of the School of Science, Monash University Malaysia); Mr Tham Weng Kong (Founder and Director, Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd); and Mr Khoo Keng Koon (Founder and Director, Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd).

Monash University Malaysia (MUM) recently formalised a strategic partnership with Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd (CCESB) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 20 January 2026, marking an important step forward in advancing algae biotechnology and green energy solutions. CCESB, a Bio-Based Accelerator (BBA) company, specialises in commercial-scale microalgae cultivation, delivering sustainable biotechnology solutions for clean energy and environmental applications.

The event, held at Monash University Malaysia, reflected a shared commitment to translating scientific research into practical, scalable solutions that address global energy and environmental challenges. The MoU builds on existing engagement between MUM and CCESB, including collaborations through sustainability-focused initiatives such as EcoCon 2025. Effective for three years, the partnership provides a framework for joint research and development, innovation, and talent development, including collaborative grant applications, strengthened research partnerships, advances in algae biotechnology, and meaningful industry exposure through student internships and industry-based training.

In her welcoming speech, Professor Emily Goh Joo Kheng, Head of the School of Science, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and underscored its potential to deliver meaningful real-world impact in support of a cleaner, greener future. She highlighted the strong alignment between Monash University Malaysia’s research capabilities and CCESB’s expertise in algae biotechnology, noting a shared focus in advancing microalgae as a next-generation resource for sustainable biotechnology, clean energy solutions, and circular bioeconomy practices.

Mr Khoo Keng Koon (Founder and Director, Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd) delivers his speech.

Mr Khoo Keng Koon, Founder and Director of CCESB, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the value of close collaboration in developing innovative and sustainable solutions to global energy and environmental challenges. He expressed optimism that the partnership would advance scientific research, develop skilled talent, and support Malaysia’s growing bioeconomy ecosystem.

From left: Associate Professor Song Keang Peng (Program Director (Postgraduate Coursework)); Dr Ken Yeong Keng Yoon (Associate Head of School (Industry Engagement and Enterprising)); Professor Chow Sek Chuen (Director of Graduate Research); Professor Qasim Ayub (Deputy Head of School (Research)); Professor Siow Lee Fong (Deputy Head of School (Education)); Professor Adeline Ting Su Yien (Associate Head of School (International)); Dr Foo Su Chern (Senior Lecturer); Professor Emily Goh Joo Kheng (Head of School of Science); Mr Tham Weng Kong (Founder and Director, Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd); Mr Khoo Keng Koon (Founder and Director, Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd); Mr Saw Soo Meng (Director, Biotechnology Arm, Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd); Mr Joh Takehiro (Managing Director, Dai-ichi Jitsugyo Malaysia Sdn Bhd); Mr Chong Tong Koa (South Malaysia Representative, Dai-ichi Jitsugyo Malaysia Sdn Bhd); Dr Lim Yi An (Head of Operations and Project Manager, Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd); Ms Nur Liyana Bt Zulkifly (Executive Assistant, Eslia (M) Sdn Bhd); and Dr How Swen Yap (R&D Specialist, Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd).

The event concluded with a tour of the School of Science laboratories, marking the beginning of a meaningful collaboration dedicated to advancing sustainable biotechnology, innovation, and solutions that support global sustainability priorities and net-zero ambitions.