In an exclusive interview, GFCC Distinguished Fellow and Joint Chairman of the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology discusses current and future initiatives to tackle climate challenges in Malaysia’s infrastructure.
Cities, regions, and nations worldwide are prioritizing resilience and sustainability in infrastructure projects to address new climate-related risks, a topic extensively highlighted in the 2024 Call to Action Achieving a Sustainable Future for All. In an exclusive interview, GFCC Distinguished Fellow and Joint-Chairman of the Malaysian Industry Government for High Technology, Dr. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, shares insights on financial models, technologies, and strategies to strengthen infrastructure resilience. He also discusses ongoing projects in Malaysia aimed at adapting infrastructure to current and future climate challenges.
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Adapting existing infrastructure to the risks posed by climate change can be cost-intensive. What strategies or innovations can help minimize these costs while ensuring resilience?
A robust and technologically sound business model is imperative to ensure sustainability and durability. It is also essential to undergo a case-by-case assessment to ensure optimal fit. There are various financial models and sources that stakeholders can lay hands on, including Zero CAPEX, Private Finance Initiatives (PFI), international funding e.g. GEF, UNIDO & UNDP, and Green Sukuk, a sharia-compliant bond-like instrument used in Islamic finance, among others. These financial models may undergo periodic evaluation to ensure continued alignment with the ultimate objective and may require modifications. Considering, for instance, the need to mitigate the threat of flooding, I would suggest investing in public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects in areas such as advanced flood management systems, smart sewer systems and cooling centres, using subscription-based methods. In addition, the private sector can offer planet observation and post-disaster analytics services.
Malaysia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. What practical and cost-effective solutions have been developed to improve infrastructure resilience and adapt cities to ongoing and future climate challenges?
Malaysia has adopted multiple initiatives at city, state and national levels to deal with the impacts of climate change. At the city level, the Malaysian Smart City Alliance collaborates with multiple stakeholders to implement environmental solutions across numerous services. This includes integrated disaster management (ISMS) using building management systems equipped with IoT platforms to monitor health and safety issues. Municipalities have also extensively collaborated with local governments on green technology, eco-solutions and waste management analytics. At the state level, I would cite the Penang’s Nature-Based Climate Adaptation programme which includes mangrove and coastal restoration, as well as Selangor’s Autonomous Adaptation Strategies which conduct climate risk and vulnerability assessments. Both state initiatives adopt a more macro perspective when compared to city level solutions targeting specific issues. At MIGHT, we have been working with the Malaysia’s national power company, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), and the State of Melaka on a Smart Grid Demonstration Project. This is a collaborative initiative aimed at alleviating future climate challenges through enhanced energy efficiency via the deployment of rooftop solar PV installations, integrated energy management systems, battery energy storage system (BESS) and electric vehicles (EV) charging outlets.
Energy systems are a critical component of resilient infrastructure. In your view, what role do our current energy systems play in enhancing infrastructure resilience, and how can we future proof these systems?
We need to secure a dependable and uninterrupted power source, capable of enduring severe weather conditions or other disturbances. The increased utilization of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, via the decentralization of energy systems diminishes reliance on centralized grids and guarantees continuity during grid failures. Energy storage, particularly batteries, is equally essential for storing surplus energy produced by renewables and supplying backup power during outages. Comprehensive Smart Grid applications provide enhanced monitoring and management of energy flow, permitting rapid reactions to interruptions and optimizing energy distribution. Malaysia’s present and prospective investments in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence for optimal energy distribution equips energy systems with inherent redundancy. Additionally, the expansion of public-private partnerships for funding and implementation are crucial components of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). These initiatives establish a favourable trajectory for achieving the nation’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
How can advancements in technology contribute to the design and implementation of resilient infrastructure? Are there specific tools or innovations that stand out in this effort?
Infrastructure resilience can be enhanced by technology advancements across various sectors, including smart materials, sophisticated construction techniques, and sensor technologies, among others. Smart materials, such as self-healing concrete and shape-memory alloys, may adjust to environmental variations and autonomously mend damage, thus improving infrastructure resilience and lifespan. Methods such as 3D printing and modular construction provide expedited and more efficient building procedures, thus diminishing material wastage and enhancing construction precision. Advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence can analyse extensive data sets to forecast problems, enhance maintenance plans, and augment overall efficiency. Finally, machine learning algorithms can assist in the design of more durable structures by modelling diverse disaster scenarios.
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