Malaysia To Join Global Graphene Industry Soon

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is set to become a global graphene industry player with the soon-to-launched graphene-related products by six home-grown companies. NanoMalaysia Bhd Chief Executive Officer Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad said at present, the six companies are in the final stage of introducing their graphene-related products to the local and regional markets. Speaking to reporters here Tuesday, he said these companies are among 30 firms which are being established as graphene-related products manufacturers under the National Graphene Action Plan (NGAP) 2020. "Graphene is the next game-changer for Malaysia as there are opportunities for commercialisation in both new and existing markets. "The NGAP 2020, launched by the government in 2014, has achieved tremendous traction in getting the industry players to jump on the graphene bandwagon and to be recognised regionally and globally," he said when met at the launch of Graphene Malaysia 2016 here Tuesday. Rezal said the soon-to-be launched products include a graphene-infused tyre which is said to be more durable and stronger than existing tyres in the market. Graphene is an isolated single-atom layer of graphite. The graphite found in pencil lead is made up of layers of graphene. Since its discovery a decade ago, graphene has become a potential key material for industries such as automotive, electronics and medicine given its claims of being tougher than diamond but lighter than paper. -- BERNAMA