A generalist by nature, new experiences and learnings always energizes me. While I have grown in the energy industry for the past 17 years, I have served in different roles within the organization.

I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Engineering, minoring in business. In my third year, I spent one summer at the University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, to design and build a solar energy system for one of their academic buildings. Besides that, I experienced first hand how solar energy helps various villages to have access to clean water and electricity.

My first role in the current organization is to manage research in new energy. From there I became a core member of the company’s solar team, where we strategized on entry options in solar industry and proceeded to manage solar installations as a Project Engineer. We embraced ambiguity and uncertainties in starting up the venture in solar industry for the organization, and started to be quite comfortable with unknowns as well as the need to adapt and pivot quickly.

Since then, I have been in a number of roles such as Front End Design where I learnt project economics in the flow of work. Besides that, I had a role in data analytics and later was involved in technical talent development. This was my first introduction to talent management and development. From there, seeing the bigger picture, I joined HR to look at talent development in a more wholesome manner. As a department, we need to understand the whole organizations’ competency development, inclusive of technical and non-technical skills.

Besides my work, I am a proud mother of 6 beautiful kids. They are growing up so fast and being involved in talent management has helped me to understand their behaviors and empathizing more with their challenges.

In this episode, we speak to Chin Lijin, Founder and Chairperson of the Circular Business Association on the topics of Circular Businesses, Carbon Trading and what's next for climate action. Circular Business Association (CBASS) is an ecosystem builder primarily focussed on creating the strongest profitable circular economy ecosystem to solve the climate crisis and create a liveable world. Like the bass player in a musical ensemble, we harmonise the different sounds into a melody. We help organisations accelerate their transition to sustainability and a profitable circular economy by providing access to solution providers, vendors, suppliers and talents that are better aligned and more complete in their solutions at an ecosystem level. Find out more at www.circularbusinessassociation.org ACMF Circular Economy is a boutique consultancy under ACMF Group that provides Circular Economy business transformation consulting services, and supports companies to identify and monetise CE revenue. We add to to the expertise of ACMF Group in international private fundraising readiness to solve the taxi-driver syndrome, the climate crisis and promote world peace through business. ACMF is an Approved Community of CBASS.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Afiq Rahmat, an energy transition specialist. We delve into Malaysia's energy transition, focusing on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Dr. Afiq shares his insights on the importance of understanding local energy resources and how they can play a role in the energy transition.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding local energy resources: Each region has its unique set of resources. For instance, Sarawak, a state in Malaysia, is rich in hydropower, which could be harnessed for green hydrogen production.

2. Hydrogen as energy storage: While currently used mostly as feedstock for petrochemicals, hydrogen's potential as a clean energy storage system is being explored. This could lead to the development of green and blue hydrogen technologies.

3. Policy and geopolitical considerations: As new technologies emerge, policies and trade routes need to keep pace. Dr. Afiq believes that Sarawak is ahead in establishing commercial constructs for hydrogen use. When federal policies are finally established, they could quickly move forward.

4. Technological advancements and renewable energy transition: With the recent announcement by the Malaysian government signaling increased interest in renewable energy, battery technology could be the next big thing. As demand increases, cost could decrease rapidly, similar to the trend seen with solar energy.

5. Role of businesses and individuals: Both businesses and individuals need to educate themselves about the energy transition, understanding the energy trilemma (security, affordability, and sustainability). They should make well-informed investments and decisions towards renewable energy, considering their local energy resources.

Guest: Dr. Afiq Rahmat an energy economist with a focus on energy and climate policy. He has worked extensively in the energy industry in Malaysia and has a keen understanding of the local energy landscape.

Host: Benjamin Low