11 September 2024, Nibong Tebal — Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Engineering Campus, led by Associate Professor Dr. Teoh Yew Heng from the School of Mechanical Engineering, has officially received two BLUESHARK R1 electric motorcycles from Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn. Bhd. These motorcycles will be used as part of the Proof of Concept (PoC) for the Transition to Electric Motorcycles as a Sustainable Alternative Towards Green Mobility program.

This initiative is a vital step in USM’s commitment to adopting environmentally friendly transportation solutions and supporting the Malaysian government’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, launched in July 2023. This initiative also supports several of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The PoC program focuses on replacing conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles with electric motorcycles, aligning with the university’s goal of promoting sustainable mobility on campus.

Running from 11 September to 25 September 2024, this short-term PoC is a collaborative effort between USM and Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn. Bhd. Associate Prof. Dr. Teoh, along with the USM Engineering Campus Security Department, will oversee the testing of the BLUESHARK R1 units. The primary objective of the program is to study the feasibility of replacing ICE motorcycles with electric alternatives as part of the university's long-term sustainability strategy.

In an official invitation email, Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn. Bhd. expressed their desire to partner with USM in this initiative. The program offers an opportunity for USM’s officers and staff to experience the practical use of electric motorcycle technology, providing valuable insights into its benefits and challenges. This aligns with Blueshark's vision of driving electric vehicle development in Malaysia and contributing to the country's green mobility efforts.

This collaboration not only furthers USM’s sustainability goals but also positions the university at the forefront of green transportation innovations, contributing to the broader national agenda of reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy solutions in Malaysia. By adopting electric motorcycles, USM also addresses SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing its carbon footprint and demonstrating the viability of greener alternatives in day-to-day campus operations. Furthermore, it exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as it brings together Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn. Bhd. and USM to achieve shared sustainability objectives, enhancing cooperation between public institutions and the private sector.