Highlights

Ir. Dr. Jacob joined Monash School of Engineering colleagues Dr. Julian KP Tan, Dr. Ping Yi Chan, Dr. Wen Shan Tan and Dr. Lutfi Kurnianditia Putri for a meeting and research exchange with TNB Research, hosted by Dato' Ts Dr Mohd Zamri Yusoff. The visiting team met with TNB Research's leadership, including Ir. Dr. Hazha Abdul Hamid (Director of Research), Dr. Ng Guat Peng and Ir. Dr. Looi Hui Mun, with discussions spanning sustainable energy systems, robotics, drone technologies and AI, and interest expressed in future academia-industry collaboration.

On 27 March 2026, Ir. Dr. Jacob, Agill, and Ir. Chow hosted representatives from three industry partners: Dr. Arul of Trident Nova Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Mangesh of Saarthi GreenTech, and Muhammad Yusman of One Gasmaster Holdings Berhad at Monash University Malaysia's School of Engineering to discuss kickstarting lab-based engine experiments integrating HHO (hydrogen-oxygen) technology. The visit combined a live outdoor demonstration of the university's hydrogen-fuelled genset prototype, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Net-Zero Technology (CNZT), with a hands-on technical walkthrough, followed by an indoor meeting to review equipment documentation and discuss scope and next steps for the collaboration.

The School of Engineering hosted students from Ahmadhiyya International School, Maldives, for a cultural exchange visit combining hands-on engine demonstrations with renewable fuel-powered systems. The session was led by Ir. Dr. Jacob as STEM workshop lead, supported by student helpers Reuben Wong, Asad Ali and Roshan, with quizzes and merchandise rewards keeping engagement high throughout.

At MIND Engineering Expo 2026, Agill Aynngran Raj showcased his hydrogen-fuelled genset research through a live prototype demonstration and research poster. He presented his work on hydrogen-fuelled power generation, including his integrated H₂ genset system, to representatives from major industry organisations such as ExxonMobil and leading genset suppliers. The showcase provided an opportunity to communicate his research directly to industry professionals, demonstrate a working engineering prototype, and explore potential industrial applications and collaborations in hydrogen energy and sustainable power generation.

Our lab welcomed Dr. Kishan Menghrajani, a Research Fellow from Monash University Australia, for a visit to the Sustainable Combustion and Advanced Energy Lab at Monash University Malaysia. Dr. Kishan was hosted by Asad Ali, who also gave him a tour of the campus. Our special guest and Monash Alumni, Harvinder also joined the visit. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas on ongoing research, and we look forward to it sparking further discussion and collaborative work between Monash's Malaysia and Australia campuses.

On 3 September 2026, Dr. Arul and Mr. Kumaraendran Shanmugam of Trident Nova Sdn. Bhd. visited Monash University Malaysia's School of Engineering to discuss the ongoing HHO engine research project. The visit included a walkthrough of the Sustainable and Clean Combustion Lab (4109K), where the guests engaged with UROP and Final Year Project (FYP) students, as well as postgraduate researchers from the IGNITE research group, offering an opportunity to exchange insights on the project's progress and strengthen ties between industry and the research team.

A Monash Malaysia team led by Ir. Dr. Ooi Jong Boon with Agill Aynngran Raj Kumara Raj, Rui Qi Lim, Nicolas Wei Yang Yee, and Chenlong Ma, has qualified for the second pitching session of the Swiss Innovation Challenge Asia (Malaysia) 2026, organised by Universiti Malaya-Wales in partnership with SME Bank (BPMB) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland. Their entry, GreenFlow H2: Adaptive Load-Following Regulator for Clean Genset Power, extends the team's hydrogen genset research under the IGNITE platform, presenting an adaptive regulator that matches hydrogen flow to load demand for cleaner, more efficient power generation. The team was presented with a Certificate of Participation on 9 September 2026 and will pitch again on 30 September 2026 at SME Bank, Kuala Lumpur.

Our team presented HydroGen Alpha: Greenflow H₂, an adaptive load-following regulator for hydrogen-fuelled generator sets, at the 2nd Pitching Session of the Swiss Innovation Challenge Asia (Malaysia) 2026, organised by Universiti Malaya-Wales with FHNW and SME Bank at Menara SME Bank, Kuala Lumpur. Built on a 2.8 kW hydrogen ICE generator, the system uses voltage feedback and PID control to drive a stepper-actuated valve, adjusting hydrogen delivery in real time without manual tuning, as a retrofit layer for existing engines. The team comprises Dr. Jong Boon Ooi (Team Leader and Lead Advisor), Agill Aynngran Raj Kumara Raj (Project Lead), Rui Qi Lim (Electrical), and Nicolas Wei Yang Yee and Chenlong Ma (Mechanical), and received a Certificate of Participation at the award presentation ceremony. The experience gave valuable feedback as we continue developing closed-loop hydrogen control under the IGNITE programme.

Asad Ali Sodhro, a PhD researcher in Mechanical Engineering, attended the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2026 at KLCC on 8 October 2026, together with undergraduate and Master of Applied Engineering students, Assoc. Prof. Arshad and Dr. Kueh Tze Cheng. Held under the theme “Race Towards Net Zero: Action Beyond Boundaries,” the exhibition offered valuable insights into alternative and sustainable fuels, clean energy, low-carbon transportation, energy efficiency, and emerging green technologies. The visit was particularly relevant to Asad’s research on sustainable fuels and combustion, and gave students an early look at how green technologies are moving from the lab toward real-world deployment.

The Monash IGNITE team took its research out of the lab and onto the show floor of the 6th Selangor Investment and Industrial Park Expo (SPARK) 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, as part of the Monash University Malaysia booth. Our PhD researcher Agill and Master student, Chen Long (Chris) demonstrated and explained two flagship projects: a hydrogen-powered portable genset that points toward cleaner backup and off-grid power, and Jet-A/Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends for jet engines that aim to cut aviation’s carbon footprint. They fielded questions from investors, industry leaders and policymakers on safety, performance and commercial potential, and were supported at the booth by Prof. Chong Meng Nan (Director, Centre for Net-Zero Technology), Assoc. Prof. Shee Yu Gang (Director, Research Excellence Unit, Monash University Malaysia), Assoc. Prof. Arshad (Course Director, Master of Applied Engineering), Dr. Lo Sewn Cen, Dr. Joshua and fellow postgraduate researchers. Together, the team showed how engineers, industry and government can work side by side to turn clean combustion research into real-world, lower-carbon industrial solutions.

In collaboration with the Centre for Net-Zero Technology (CNZT), a student team led by Darren Lee (under- and postgraduate researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering) successfully adapted a standard generator to run on hydrogen, developing a working hydrogen-fuelled genset prototype under the supervision of Ir. Dr. Jacob and Prof. Hung Yew Mun.

A delegation from NanoMalaysia, Dr. Puteri Intan Zulaikha Syed Mahadzir, Dr. Anis Zafirah Mohd Ismail, and Muhammad Hazim Abdul Hamid visited the School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, hosted by Prof. Chai Siang Piao, Prof. Chong Meng Nan, and Ir. Dr. Jacob. The two-hour visit included introductions to the School of Engineering and the Centre for Net-Zero Technology (CNZT), an overview from Ir. Dr. Jacob of the hydrogen engine prototype project, and a hands-on demonstration and lab tour at Lab 4109K, concluding with a Q&A session and discussion on potential collaboration between NanoMalaysia and the Centre.

Ir. Dr. Jacob, together with Darren, Ir. Chow, Mr. Hanif, Agill, and Harvinder, represented the team at the Swiss Innovation Competition 2025, showcasing a real-life prototype of an integrated hydrogen-fueled genset with exhaust-driven electric turbogeneration (ETG) and a PEM water electrolyzer (PEMWE). The prototype demonstrated the recovery of waste exhaust energy to generate electricity for in-situ hydrogen regeneration, and the team presented the system through a technical pitch and live demonstration to a panel of examiners and industry judges. The competition gave the team the opportunity to translate their research into a tangible engineering system and demonstrate its potential as a practical approach to sustainable power generation.

The School of Engineering brought the Mini Engines Workshop to SMJK Sin Min, Sungai Petani, Kedah, running two sessions for 100 Form 3 and Form 4 students. The programme covered two-stroke and four-stroke mini engines, Q&A sessions, and a live demo of the Mini Jet Engine by Agill Aynngran Raj, with thanks to Ir. Dr. Jacob, Mr. Muhamad Fadhlur Rahman Abdul Rahman and Agill Aynngran Raj for inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Ir. Dr. Jacob, together with Ir. Chow, Agill, and Harvinder, represented the Centre for Net-Zero Technology at IGEM 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, showcasing the Centre's hydrogen-powered genset and mini jet engine test rig over the three-day exhibition. The team engaged in productive discussions with curious and interested attendees, and it was at this event that Jacob first connected with Dr. Arul of Trident Nova Sdn. Bhd., a meeting that later grew into an established collaboration on an industry project. CNZT extended thanks to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) for the opportunity to debut the Centre at the event.

Ir. Chow Chee Choy, PhD candidate under the School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, received the School of Engineering Publication Award (SEPA) in recognition of his first-authored publication, "Waste Tire Oil in Quaternary Fuel Blends: Optimizing Performance and Emissions in a Light-Duty Diesel Engine Using Response Surface Methodology," published in Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, a journal ranked in the top 10% of its category. The study, co-authored with Ir. Dr. Ooi Jong Boon and other members of the research group, presents an optimized quaternary diesel blend incorporating waste tire oil that achieves reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon monoxide emissions.

Ir. Chow, Agill, and Harvinder represented CNZT at Clean Energy Transition Asia (CETA) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, presenting the Centre's net-zero technologies in what was CNZT's largest exhibition display to date. The exhibition welcomed Mr. Aaron Williams, Victorian Government Deputy Commissioner for Southeast Asia for Trade and Investment, and CNZT extended thanks to The CO_Lab for the invitation to exhibit.

Dr. Jacob and Ir. Chow were elected to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Malaysia Committee for the 2024/2025 term. It was Dr. Jacob first appointment to the committee and also serves as Academic Liaison Officer for the Monash IMechE Student Chapter. He was elected alongside two Monash colleagues, Ir. Dr. Oon Cheen Sean as Chairman and Ir. Dr. Lau Ee Von as Honorary Secretary, an outcome the university highlighted as recognition of Monash Malaysia's standing in mechanical engineering education. In the role, Jacob has focused on strengthening student networking and industry exposure, helping organize technical workshops led by industry practitioners and supporting efforts to connect students with internship opportunities, final year project collaborations, and guest lectures aimed at improving workforce readiness.