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UNM Establishes Research Advisory Council to Drive Industry-Connected Research on Global Challenges

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The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) has established a Research Advisory Council (RAC) to provide strategic advice and guidance to support the University’s research mission. 

Chaired by Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahir Liew, Vice Provost for Research and Knowledge Exchange, the RAC brings together senior leaders from across Malaysia's energy, technology, finance and sustainability sectors. The Council will guide UNM's research strategy across its four Signature Strengths of Renewable Energy, Health and Wellbeing, Food Resilience, and Water Security to ensure that the University's research not only generates impactful knowledge but also drives meaningful change in society and industry. 

The RAC's mandate spans academic research across faculties and institutes, collaborative research with industry and government partners, and support for knowledge exchange, commercialisation and research ethics. Members will also advise on opportunities for social innovation and community impact. 

Joining Prof. Shahir on the Council are 10 industry representatives drawn from some of Malaysia's most prominent organisations.  

shahril-azuar

Datuk Shahril Azuar Jimin, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Maybank, brings over a decade of ESG leadership and extensive experience across the insurance and takaful sectors. Previously, he was the first CEO of Maybank Foundation and is currently also a Council Member of the 30% Club Malaysia which promotes organisational inclusivity.

ahmad-khalid

Ts. Dr. Ahmad Khalid Md Khairi, Chief Technology Officer at Uzma Group, contributes deep expertise in technology innovation, IP management and the commercialisation of research. Prior to that, he was the CEO of the Renewable Energy Division, where he helped Uzma secure its first Large Scale Solar project. 

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Ir. Dr. Lim Eu Shawn, Chief Business & Solutions Officer at Aerodyne Group, brings a background spanning AI-driven digital transformation, offshore engineering and technopreneurship across 45 countries. Additionally, he is the Chairman of Energy Institute Malaysia. 

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Dr. Hjh. Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby, has led the foundation's work across education, community health, environment and the arts for over 15 years, and serves as an Adjunct Professor at Universiti Utara Malaysia.

zalina-jamaluddin

Ms. Zalina Jamaluddin, Head of Decarbonisation at Hibiscus Petroleum, brings over 25 years of experience in energy transition and strategic partnership, including her role in establishing the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation. 

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Dr. Ng Sing Muk, General Manager of R&D at Sarawak Energy Berhad, leads technology innovation in clean energy, grid modernisation and autonomous systems, with a research focus on sensors and remote monitoring. 

chrisminder-dain

Dr. Chrisminder Dain, General Manager for Future Positioning R&D at Petronas, is a technology strategist and innovation leader with over 20 years of experience in energy and aeronautical engineering. He spearheads Petronas' agenda on smart materials, critical minerals, and nuclear fusion. 

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Dr. Kalai Anand Ratnam, Senior Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services, holds a PhD in Information Technology and has designed large-scale cloud and Generative AI programmes for organisations across financial services, public sector, and healthcare throughout the Asia Pacific region.

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Dato' Dr. Mohammad Zabawi, Director General of MARDI, is a specialist in soil science, agroecological zonation, and climate change adaptation. He also sits on the committee of various climate change organisations and has presented numerous papers on green technology and biomass energy. 

abang-arabi

Rounding out the Council is Dato Abang Arabi Abang Narudin, Senior Vice President for Sarawak Resource Management at PETROS, whose 40-year career in oil and gas spans leadership roles at Shell, Petronas and Progress Energy Canada. He brings extensive expertise in strategy and sustainable energy development. 

The establishment of the RAC reflects UNM's continued commitment to ensuring that its research remains globally relevant, industry-connected, and grounded in the challenges that matter most to Malaysia and the wider world.

Posted on 23rd July 2026

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