Malaysia has the potential to become one of the global leading suppliers in parts and components for green technology-based companies worldwide.
Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) general manager Thomas Brandt said however, not much had been done by the country to elevate itself to that position.
He said by now, there should be better coordination and concerted efforts between ministries and relevant agencies to promote Malaysia as a hub for greentech companies.
“The local small and medium-scale enterprises will benefit in terms of technology transfer from multinational corporations involved in greentech activities,” Brandt told StarBizWeek after a briefing on the upcoming Intersolar 2012 here yesterday.
Brandt said Malaysia was the fourth largest producer of solar cells in the world although it had not been actively promoting solar power usage.
He said Malaysia’s lack of commitment in this area had dampened the interest of many foreign greentech companies and investors. “If no immediate steps are taken to address the issue, Malaysia risks losing out to other countries in the region especially Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.”
He said Singapore was ahead in the region when it comes to the greentech industry, while Indonesia and Thailand were actively attracting foreign investors to their shores.
Barndt said the greentech industry was a multi-billion dollar industry as countries all over the world were now looking at new energy sources including renewable energy.
He said Malaysia could fully exploit solar power due to its sunny conditions and produce renewable energy from oil palm-based biomass. “Large plantation companies in Malaysia can become the new Petronas of the greentech industry,” added Brandt.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Intersolar 2012, which will be held in Munich, Germany is slated to be the world’s largest gathering of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, utility and service companies in solar business as it expects the participation of 2,400 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors from 150 countries.
