FKJ Advances Sustainable Energy and Green Finance Through Regional ESG Recognition
Published: 18 May 2026
SINGAPORE, 8 May 2026 – The Faculty of Engineering (FKJ), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), strengthened its regional presence in sustainable energy and green finance through recognition at the ESG & Sustainability Excellence Awards 2026, held in conjunction with Green Finance Week Asia 2026 in Singapore. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Kamal Mohd Shah from the Microgrid Laboratory Research Group, FKJ, UMS, received the ESG & Sustainable Finance Innovation Leader of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership and contribution towards integrating engineering innovation, environmental sustainability and sustainable finance. A key development associated with this recognition is the smart grid ecosystem for microgrid infrastructure developed by the Microgrid Laboratory Research Group.
The initiative is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Kamal Mohd Shah together with Dato’ Dr. Ir. Ts. Zahari Hj Dollah, a UMS alumnus, reflecting collaboration between academic expertise, industry experience and innovation leadership. The integrated microgrid platform enables real-time data visibility, system monitoring and intelligent energy management, supporting more effective operation of renewable energy systems. Beyond its technical function, the platform also provides reliable and verifiable operational data that can improve transparency in evaluating sustainable energy assets. Such data can support financial institutions and investors in assessing the technical and financial viability of renewable energy projects, thereby strengthening the potential for green financing and investment in sustainable energy infrastructure. This creates an important link between engineering innovation and financial mechanisms required to accelerate renewable energy deployment.
The initiative contributes to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy through the advancement of renewable energy infrastructure, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through smart microgrid development, and SDG 13: Climate Action through support for the transition towards lower-carbon energy systems. Its potential contribution to green investment and economic opportunities is also aligned with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, while collaboration among academia, industry and financial stakeholders reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through this recognition, FKJ continues to demonstrate how engineering research can be integrated with sustainable finance to support practical and scalable solutions for the energy transition.
Written by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Kamal Mohd Shah
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.