Bangi: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and the University of Yamanashi in Japan have launched the Japan-Malaysia Hydrogen Hub (JMH2), aiming to boost research, innovation, talent development, industry collaboration, and technology transfer in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative is part of Japan's Programme for Forming Japan's Research Universities (J-PEAKS), with the hub situated at UKM's Fuel Cell Institute (SELFUEL). The hub is anticipated to function as a regional platform for collaborative research, researcher and student exchanges, professional training, industry engagement, and the commercialization of clean-energy technologies.

The announcement of JMH2 was made during the 4th Symposium on Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology and the 2nd International Symposium on Solar Hydrogen 2026 (SFCHT-SSH 2026), a two-day event that commenced today. The memorandum of agreement (MoA) for this project was exchanged by UKM deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Ismanizan Ismail and University of Yamanashi vice-president Prof Dr Xiaoyang Mao, in the presence of Higher Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim.

Prof Dr Ismanizan emphasized that the hub's creation underscores UKM's dedication to advancing high-technology industries while strengthening Malaysia's clean-energy capabilities, aligning with governmental goals. He highlighted that UKM's Fuel Cell Institute has developed strong capabilities in green and sustainable technology, hydrogen production, and fuel-cell applications, making this collaboration with the University of Yamanashi a strategic progression.

Prof Dr Ismanizan expressed that JMH2 stands as Malaysia's sole hub dedicated to hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies, with the potential to evolve into a prime platform for ASEAN collaboration. This initiative is poised to benefit researchers, postgraduate students, and industry players through research collaborations, technology transfers, and innovations.

Prof Dr Xiaoyang Mao noted that UKM was selected as the University of Yamanashi's ASEAN partner due to its expertise in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies and existing research partnerships between the two institutions. She emphasized the necessity of strong international collaboration to address global energy challenges, with JMH2 being part of expanding the university's global research network.

Prof Dr Mao explained that the collaboration will concentrate on high-level academic research, innovation, technology's social implementation, and the development of future human resources. Both universities are considering dual-degree programs to nurture the upcoming generation of hydrogen experts.

In a statement, UKM indicated that the JMH2 initiative would be deployed in phases starting in 2026 and aims to broaden its collaborative network across ASEAN by 2029. This expansion seeks to position Malaysia as a leading regional center for hydrogen knowledge, talent development, and technological innovation, enhancing Southeast Asia's role in the global energy transition.