KOTA SAMARAHAN: OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd (OM Sarawak) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) have inked a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to explore the environmental suitability and potential industrial applications of silicon manganese (SiMn) slags.
The collaboration emphasises both parties’ commitment to advance sustainable practices in the construction sector and other industries.
UNIMAS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting its alignment with Sarawak’s vision for a recyclable economy.
“Our collaboration with OM Sarawak is a significant step towards supporting Sarawak’s vision of a recyclable economy.
“This project aligns perfectly with UNIMAS’s mission as a community-driven university, fostering innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and local industries.
“We are proud to lead initiatives that push the boundaries of sustainable practices and enhance our contribution to the community,” he said when witnessing the event which was held during the third convocation ceremony of Professional and Executive Programmes (PEP) of UNIMAS Business School at DeTAR Putra UNIMAS today.
The MoA outlines two primary studies on SiMn slags, focusing on both their chemical composition and potential applications in construction.
Prof Dr Zainab Ngaini will lead the first study, examining the chemical properties of SiMn slags and their by-products.
Meanwhile, Prof Dr Ng Chee Khoon will oversee research on the suitability of SiMn slags as a replacement for coarse aggregates in various construction projects.
Under the terms of this agreement, OM Sarawak will leverage the expertise of UNIMAS’s distinguished consultancy team to carry out a series of chemical analysis on SiMn and explore their potential for industrial uses across various sectors in accordance to the requirements standards.
This collaborative effort is expected to play a crucial role in OM Sarawak’s pursuit of regulatory approval for the use of SiMn slags as a sustainable material.
“We are excited about the potential of this partnership to transform how SiMn slags are utilised in various industries,” said Managing Director of OM Sarawak, Chen Xiaodong.
He emphasised the study’s broader aim, which seeks to improve the environmental sustainability of OM Sarawak’s operations by repurposing by-products.
“This study not only aims to enhance the environmental sustainability of our processes but also explores innovative ways to repurpose by-products, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” he added.
