UPNM, Ketech Asia to commercialise palm oil-based explosives technology
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is moving to commercialise locally developed palm oil-based technology for the production of explosives and ammunition in a bid to strengthen the country’s defence supply chain and reduce reliance on imports.
Malaysia is set to commercialize locally developed palm oil-based technology for explosives and ammunition production, aiming to bolster its defence supply chain and reduce import dependence. Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) has inked a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Ketech Asia Sdn Bhd to advance the university's technology from the lab stage to large-scale production for defense and security industries.
The signing took place during the University Research, Innovation and Investment Summit (URIIS) 2026 held today in Kuala Lumpur, with Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Higher Education Minister Dr Zambry Abd Kadir in attendance. The collaboration aims to develop the technology from Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL 3) in the lab to TRL 8 or 9, ready for mass production and defense sector deployment.
UPNM Vice-Chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad noted that transitioning the technology from the lab to the market requires investment, access to specialized testing facilities, and local and international industry expertise. The partnership will facilitate the creation of full-scale prototypes, field testing, and standards certification for dual-use technology, all in a more organized and sustainable manner.
UPNM highlighted that crafting explosive materials from local resources like palm oil exemplifies how public university researchers can leverage domestic resources to bolster Malaysia's strategic supply chain. The commercialization drive also seeks to enhance defense and security readiness while generating socioeconomic benefits through skilled jobs creation and lessening reliance on imported materials.
During the event, Zahid and Zambry toured UPNM's Defence Technology, Strategy and Security Cluster booth, showcasing innovations ready for commercialization. URIIS 2026 is seen as a platform to strengthen ties between government policy, university research, and industry investment, with the goal of converting research funding into economic and national security gains.
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