KUALA LUMPUR — University of Malaya (UM) and Oleon Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) last Friday to jointly carry out research work to develop a new generation of environmental friendly additives for lubricants. Spanning two years, the project will cost RM1million and will build on Oleon Sdn Bhd's expertise in lubricant additives, and the research and testing capabilities of the Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre (Nanocat) in UM to formulate and validate the effectiveness of environmental friendly additives for lubricating fluids.

UM deputy vice chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Professor Datuk Rohana Yusof, representing vice chancellor Tan Sri Professor Mohd Amin Jalaludin, said the MoA was testimony to the confidence that international industries such as Oleon Sdn Bhd have in UM's research, expertise, and technological capabilities.

"Due to its capability of completing a biolubricants project in 2016 with world class facilities and having researchers with strong track records, Nanocat has been the partner of choice for Oleon," Rohana said. Oleon Sdn Bhd is part of Oleon NV, Europe's leading producer of oleochemicals. Oleon is a subsidiary of the French Avril group, a financial and industrial organisation in the vegetable oils and proteins sector with activities in food, feed, biofuels and oleochemistry.

The MoA was signed by Rohana and Oleon Managing Director James de Caluwé, with Oleon NV research and development director Dirk Packet, InvestKL director and team lead Michael Warren, Nanocat acting director Mohd Rafie Johan, and UM associate vice chancellor (research & innovation) Professor Shaliza Ibrahim, and project leader Professor Juan Joon Ching.

Mr James de Caluwé (second left) exchanges the memorandum of agreement with Professor Datuk Rohana Yusof after the signing. Also seen is Mr Dirk Packet (first left). — Photos provided by UM Media