In a significant step towards sustainability, INTI International University is poised to become one of the leaders in solar energy usage among higher education institutions in Negeri Sembilan. Partnering with SFS Energy Sdn Bhd, INTI is undertaking an extensive project to install 3,220 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels across its academic and hostel blocks, with a total potential capacity of 1,771.00 kW. This initiative demonstrates INTI’s dedication to environmental stewardship and innovation in education.
Photovoltaic solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, making them energy-efficient and cost-effective. This project, part of INTI’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives planned since 2021, is set to launch officially by the end of this year.
Eu Weng Fong, Assistant Manager of General Affairs at INTI, highlighted the impact: “The solar panels are expected to generate enough power to meet the day-to-day demands of the INTI Nilai campus.”
Some solar panel installations at the Academic Block of INTI International University.
Professor Dr Asokan Vasudevan, Director of INTI’s Learning Centre for Research and a lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Communication, emphasised the educational benefits: “The solar panel system will be a key component of INTI’s upcoming Learning Centre for Research. Launching the solar panel system as part of the Centre further strengthens INTI’s commitment to innovating education and its dedication to sustainability.”
Chong Kok Wai, Chief Executive Officer of INTI International University & Colleges, reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment: “This initiative emphasises our commitment to sustainability and positions INTI as one of the leading Malaysian educational institutions. We are determined to create an environmentally responsible campus and offer our students exceptional learning opportunities in renewable energy.”
The installation of these solar panels is projected to result in significant cost savings for INTI, with an estimated reduction of up to RM95,000 per month and RM1,338,983 over ten years. Moreover, this initiative will serve as a live educational tool for students, offering real-time data on energy production and consumption displayed across campus.
Bird’s eye view of solar panel installations at the Academic Block (left) and Learning Resource Centre (right) of INTI International University.
The project in Nilai will roll out in phases, with initial installations completed by mid-year and full operation by year-end. Looking ahead, INTI plans to expand this solar initiative to its Penang and Subang campuses, with preliminary maintenance work already underway to prepare the infrastructure for the solar panels.
Bird’s eye view of solar panel installations at the Services Building (left) and Student Centre (right).