UPNM, Ketech Asia to commercialise palm oil-based explosives technology
22/09/2026 (New Straits Times), 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.
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Ketech Asia Sdn Bhd to bring the university's locally developed technology from the laboratory stage towards large-scale production for use by the defence and security industries.
The agreement was signed in conjunction with the University Research, Innovation and Investment Summit (URIIS) 2026 organised by the Higher Education Ministry today.
The signing was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Under the collaboration, the technology will be developed from Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL 3), representing the laboratory stage, to TRL 8 or 9, where it would be ready for large-scale production and deployment within the defence and security sectors.
UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad said taking the technology from the laboratory to a market-ready stage would require investment, access to specialised testing facilities and industry expertise recognised locally and internationally.
"The partnership will enable the fabrication of full-scale prototypes, field testing and standards certification for dual-use technology to be carried out in a more structured and sustainable manner," he said.
UPNM said developing explosive materials from local biological resources such as palm oil demonstrated the ability of public university researchers to harness domestic resources to strengthen Malaysia's strategic supply chain.
The commercialisation initiative is also aimed at improving the country's defence and security preparedness while generating socioeconomic benefits through the creation of highly skilled jobs and reducing dependence on imported materials.
During the event, Zahid and Zambry also visited UPNM's Defence Technology, Strategy and Security Cluster booth, which showcased several university innovations ready for commercialisation.
UPNM said URIIS 2026 served as a platform to strengthen cooperation between government policy, university research capabilities and industry investment, with the aim of translating research funding into economic and national security benefits.