Hemp science center launched at Cyberjaya University in Kuala Lumpur

L’Cyberjaya University, located in Malaysia's Silicon Valley, recently inaugurated its Hemp Science Center (HSC).

This new installation, the first of its kind in the country, marks a significant step in the worldwide movement towards sustainable and innovative uses for hemp in a country that has historically been very hard on this plant and its users.

A center for collaboration and progress

The Hemp Science Center has been designed to stimulate research and industrial applications for hemp, with a focus on areas such as natural fibers, the advanced materials, well-being and sustainable farming practices.

It will act as a collaborative center bringing together academics, business leaders and policy-makers. The creation of the center coincided with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Cyberjaya University and the Malaysia Hemptech Industrial Research Association (MHIRA), cementing a partnership aimed at positioning Malaysia as a regional leader in the industrial hemp sector.

Johan Mohamad, founder and president of MHIRA, was optimistic about the future of hemp in Malaysia, pointing out that the collaboration with the university represents a significant step forward for the country's hemp industry.

«This initiative consolidates Malaysia's role as a center of innovation and sustainability in the global hemp market,» Mohamad said in a statement reported by Hemp Build Magazine, present at the inauguration.

Key findings of the 2nd Industrial Hemp Forum

The second forum on industrial hemp, held at Cyberjaya University's Grand Hall, brought together policy-makers, industry experts, researchers, students and hemp advocates.

On the theme of« Modern hemp in the life sciences »The forum featured a variety of presentations exploring the sustainable and innovative potential of hemp. Highlights included:

1. Modern hemp in the life sciences and HSC initiatives
   Presented by Associate Professor Piakong Mohd Tuah, this session retraced the history of the’history of hemp and emphasized its economic and environmental potential. Mr. Tuah urged stakeholders to embrace hemp as a sustainable resource.
2. ESG: Potential of natural fibers in the advanced materials industry
   Professor Sarani Zakaria highlighted the environmental benefits of natural fibers, including hemp, and their applications in advanced materials.
3. Potential benefits of medical cannabis
   Professor Sathappan Subramaniam, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Cyberjaya University, spoke about the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis.
4. Hemp's role in the circular economy
   Paul Iglesia, from Global Hemp Service, explained how hemp can contribute to sustainability and innovation, reinforcing Malaysia's interest in hemp research.

The forum also highlighted the’progressive approach to Malaysia to address challenges such as environmental restoration, sustainable development and economic growth. The previous forum, held in November 2019 at the International Islamic University in Kuala Lumpur, laid the foundations for integrating hemp into Sustainable development goals 2030 .

The delay of subsequent events due to the pandemic forced stakeholders to extend their momentum to re-launch this crucial conversation in 2024.

«Holding the forums at prestigious universities in an Islamic country underlines Malaysia's ability to integrate innovation with cultural and ethical values,» noted Kimmi del Prado, editor-in-chief of Hemp Build Magazine.