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11 Apr 2025
8 Min Read
Ir Dr Phang Siew Wei (Academic Contributor)
It’s 2050. The air is hotter, storms are stronger, and our cities flood more often. Forests have thinned, clean water is harder to find, and many animal species have disappeared. Life hasn’t stopped—but it’s gotten harder, especially for communities hit first and worst by climate change.
Sounds like a scene from a dystopian movie, right? Sadly, that’s the direction we’re heading if we don’t take climate action seriously.
But here’s the twist: it doesn’t have to be this way.
‘Net-zero’ might sound technical, but it’s actually simple. It means balancing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) we put into the atmosphere with the amount we take out. Think of it like a bathtub—you don’t want it to overflow, so you either turn off the tap or drain some water out. Achieving net-zero is about doing both.
So, what could a net-zero future look like?
Why does this matter? Because the choices we make now will shape the world your generation grows up in. And the good news? You can help build it.
Engineering isn’t just about equations and hard hats—it’s about solving real problems that affect everyday life. Here’s how different types of engineers are helping us get to net-zero:
Mechanical Engineering
These engineers focus on machines—from fans and fridges to cars and factories.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers are the ones behind how we generate and use electricity.
Civil & Environmental Engineering
If it’s part of a city, these engineers likely helped design it.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers are the brains behind how materials and fuels are made.
Mechatronics & Artifical Inteligence Engineering
This is where robots, coding, and sensors come together.
Creating a net-zero world isn’t just about using less—it’s about building better. Engineers across Asia are already developing powerful new technologies that could completely change the way we live. Here are five exciting breakthroughs that are shaping the future:
Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is a clean fuel made by using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When used, it only releases water vapour—no carbon emissions. This makes it a promising energy source for transport, industry, and even electricity generation.
The Rembus Green Hydrogen Plant in Sarawak is set to commence operations in 2025. Located in Samarahan, this facility is designed to produce five tonnes of green hydrogen daily. The hydrogen generated will power the autonomous rapid transit (ART) system and hydrogen-powered feeder buses, integral components of the Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS). This initiative marks a significant step in Sarawak's efforts to decarbonise urban transportation and position itself as a leader in the hydrogen economy. Photo Source: DayakDaily
Smart Grids
Smart grids are modern electricity systems that use sensors and digital technologies to balance energy supply and demand, especially when dealing with renewable sources like solar and wind, which can be unpredictable.
In China, the Zhangbei Renewable Energy Flexible DC Grid Demonstration Project (张北可再生能源柔性直流电网示范工程) is one of the most advanced smart grid systems in the world. It connects wind, solar, hydro, and energy storage into a single flexible power grid—ensuring stable energy delivery even during changing weather conditions. This project was also a major source of clean energy for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, making it the first Olympic Games ever powered by 100% renewable electricity. Image source: Sohu
Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS)
CCS is like giving a factory a carbon filter. It traps carbon dioxide emissions before they reach the atmosphere and stores them deep underground. This helps industries keep running while reducing their environmental impact.
In Malaysia, the Kasawari CCS project in Sarawak is set to be one of the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Once running, it could capture over 3 million tonnes of CO₂ each year from offshore gas operations—helping Malaysia balance energy needs with climate goals. Image Source: Offshore Technology
Achieving net-zero by 2050 is tough but feasible for advanced nations with tech innovation and strict policies. In Southeast Asia and Malaysia, the path includes cutting fossil fuel reliance, upgrading infrastructure, enforcing policies, attracting investment, and raising public awareness.
You don’t have to wait until you graduate to start making an impact. Here’s how you can be part of the net-zero mission today and beyond:
Not all heroes wear lab coats or build rockets—some quietly design systems that save energy, create cleaner ways to move, or find new life in old materials. That’s the quiet power of engineering: it works behind the scenes, yet its impact touches everything around us.
You don’t need to have all the answers right now—just the curiosity to ask, “Can this be better?” Because if you’ve ever taken something apart just to see how it works, or imagined a way to improve the world around you, then maybe, just maybe, engineering has already found its way into who you are—and the future is waiting for you to help shape it.
Kickstart your journey with our Foundation in Engineering and gain the essential skills to solve real-world challenges. From there, progress into an Engineering degree in fields like Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic, Chemical, or Mechatronics—and be part of designing a better, greener world.
