[Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur, August 17th] – The inaugural Global Algae Summit 2023 (GAS 2023) concluded with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in uniting thought leaders, researchers, and experts from the algae industry and related fields. Organized collaboratively by Leave a Nest, Euglena Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., and Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the summit took place on August 17th, 2023, at Azman Hashim Hall, UTM Kuala Lumpur.

Strategic partnerships with leading organizations, including Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corp.) and the Algae Biotechnology Consortium (ABC), underscored the summit’s commitment to advancing a circular and sustainable bioeconomy. NanoMalaysia Berhad, serving as a session partner, spotlighted the role of nanotechnology in renewable energy and augmenting algae-related innovations, showcasing the potential of nanomaterials in sustainable biofuel production, advancing algae cultivation, product development, and more.

Under the theme “Paving the Future of Circular Algae Bioeconomy,” the summit illuminated the immense potential of algae in revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, renewable energy, biotechnology, and more. Attendees experienced a diverse range of sessions, including keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, engaging pocket talks, informative poster presentations, and interactive exhibition booths, all of which showcased cutting-edge research, innovations, and technologies in the field of algae.

Prior to the summit, a significant step was taken as MJIIT, UTM joined hands with Euglena Co. Ltd. by signing a memorandum of agreement. This marked the official initiation of their collaborative efforts in algae research and development. Prof. Ts. Dr. Abd Latif Saleh, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of UTM Kuala Lumpur, in his speech has emphasized the profound nature of this collaboration, describing it as a fusion of visionary intellects, a seamless merging of academic prowess and industrial expertise, and a dedicated stride towards pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding and technological innovation in the field of algae.

A total of 185 participants from all over Malaysia which involved a consortium of esteemed universities, including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), UCSI University, International Medical University (IMU), Sunway University, and Universiti Selangor (UNISEL), enriched the summit with diverse perspectives and fueled the progress of algae research and innovation through poster presentations. Notably, the poster presentation was also enriched by the participation and contributions of researchers from various industry and corporate entities.