Gas malaysia: Gas Malaysia Bhd has deployed the first LOOP system in Asia Pacific, using technology developed by Levidian Nanosystems Ltd to produce graphene and capture carbon from methane. This breakthrough reinforces Gas Malaysia's transformation under its GM32 growth strategy, evolving beyond its traditional role as a gas distributor into a provider of high-value solutions and an ecosystem builder in advanced materials.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the LOOP technology, developed in collaboration with United Kingdom-based Levidian, transforms methane into high-quality graphene and hydrogen-rich gas. This creates new value from existing gas infrastructure while enabling cleaner and more efficient industrial applications.
Speaking at the launch of the 'From Methane to Graphene: Revolutionising Industry with Graphene' initiative, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang highlighted the strong collaboration between Malaysia and the UK. He noted that the partnership between Gas Malaysia and Levidian would complement NanoMalaysia Bhd's (NMB) ongoing efforts and further galvanise the national advanced materials ecosystem.
The deployment of Levidian's LOOP technology in Malaysia, marking its first installation in the Asia Pacific, reflects growing international confidence in the country's industrial ecosystem. The new graphene production technologies can complement existing facilities in Malaysia, thereby increasing national graphene output, strengthening supply security, and supporting broader downstream adoption by Malaysian industries.
Chang emphasized that such partnerships create opportunities beyond technology deployment alone. They facilitate knowledge exchange, capability development, talent enhancement, and collaborative innovation, strengthening Malaysia's long-term competitiveness. Also present at the event were Gas Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, British High Commission Kuala Lumpur Trade and Investment director Richard Colley, and Levidian United Kingdom chief commercial officer Ian Hopkins.
Chang highlighted the role of NMB in advancing the development and commercialisation of graphene-based solutions through the National Graphene Action Plan 2020 (NGAP 2020) and the Graphenovation Programme under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans. Through these initiatives, NMB has brought together industry players, universities, and research institutions on a triple-helix platform to stimulate market demand and accelerate the growth of Malaysia's graphene ecosystem.
The ministry also supports NMB in establishing the local supply side of graphene through the Strategic Research Fund for the Biomass Innovation Circular Economy Programme (BICEP). Via BICEP, NMB has been working with a local university to develop local technology to convert palm-based biogas, specifically biomethane, into hydrogen and graphene to support Malaysia's emerging Hydrogen Economy and National Industrial Master Plan aspirations.
Chang stated that Malaysia's natural and biomass-based resources could be upgraded into higher-value outputs. Instead of treating methane merely as a fuel or an emission source, it can be converted through a locally patented hydrogen pyrolysis process, producing graphene and supporting the development of high-value industrial applications. The technology also enables its conversion into hydrogen, serving as a carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) mechanism, thereby supporting the clean energy agenda.
Malaysia remains the only country in ASEAN with a national-level graphene programme, positioning it as a regional frontrunner in graphene application development, industrial adoption, and commercialisation. To date, these efforts have contributed to a growing portfolio of graphene-related intellectual property, including 92 IP filings and 16 patents granted, demonstrating Malaysia's progress in translating graphene research and development into protectable, commercially relevant technologies.