UM, Oleon Ink Agreement On Research Project

By Norafiqah Jamil KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- University of Malaya (UM) and Oleon Sdn Bhd, which is part of Oleon NV, Europe's largest oleochemical group, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to jointly work on a research project for ester-based bio-lubricants for refrigerant application. The two-year project will build on Oleon's expertise in bio-lubricants research. UM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Amin Jalaludin told Bernama the signing was a testament to the confidence that international industries have in UM's research and technological capabilities. Under the agreement, the research and testing capabilities of the Nanotechnology & Catalysis (Nanocat) Research Centre in UM will formulate and validate the effectiveness of ester-based bio-lubricants for compressors in refrigerant systems. Nanocat is a partner of choice for Oleon following its world-class state-of-the-art facilities as well as having researchers with strong track record in the field collaboration research. Oleon Sdn Bhd Managing Director James de Caluwe said the collaboration with UM was another confirmation of Oleon's confidence in the region, particularly Malaysia, to grow its presence. Meanwhile, InvestKL Chief Executive Officer Zainal Amanshah said: "InvestKL will assist in the facilitation of this partnership between the private sector and a government institution to achieve a goal of driving innovation in research and development. At the signing ceremony, UM was represented by Mohd Amin while de Caluwe signed on behalf of his company. The event was witnessed by Zainal, UM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud, and Nanocat Director Professor Sharifah Bee. --BERNAMA