Amidst the global challenges of climate change, energy transition, and sustainable development, international knowledge sharing and technological collaboration have become increasingly vital. On November 22, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a significant partnership aimed at pooling professional expertise and innovative resources officially commenced. The Academy of Engineering And Technology of the Developing World (AETDEW) and the AB Charity Foundation, along with its technical support and funding partner AB DAO, officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of their core members. This marks the beginning of a collaborative effort between the two institutions to focus on engineering and technological innovation, particularly in smart grids and renewable energy systems, seeking practical and advanced solutions to the urgent energy issues facing developing countries.

The signing ceremony was solemnly held at the AETDEW headquarters and was concise yet fruitful. The MoU was co-signed by AETDEW President, Senior Engineer Ir. Ts. Choo Kok Beng, and representatives from the AB Charity Foundation and AB DAO. AETDEW Executive Director, Dr. Ir. Ts. Wong Chee Fui, and AB Charity Foundation Senior Advisor, renowned scholar Dr. Moneef R. Zou’bi, attended as key witnesses, highlighting the high importance and solemn commitment both parties place on this collaboration. Furthermore, the ceremony was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including AETDEW Honorary Fellow, former President, Academician Dato Ir. Lee Yee Cheong; AETDEW Treasurer Mr. Lawrence Tan; and AETDEW Executive Secretary Dr. Yap Kian Lian. Their attendance not only added prestige to the event but also reflected broad support and anticipation for this cross-sectoral collaboration within and beyond AETDEW.

The signing of this MoU is far more than a mere ceremony; it substantially outlines a clear and ambitious blueprint for cooperation. In line with the MoU's spirit, AETDEW and AB Charity Foundation x AB DAO will establish a long-term, stable strategic partnership. The core areas of cooperation are clearly directed towards advancing overall engineering and technology, with a special focus on two cutting-edge and critical directions: "Smart Grid Technology" and "Renewable Energy Systems." The collaboration aims to leverage AETDEW's deep academic research networks, expert resources, and localized knowledge in engineering and technology for developing countries, combined with the innovative technological solutions and project implementation capabilities introduced by the AB Charity Foundation through AB DAO. Together, they will engage in activities such as technical research, pilot projects, capacity building, and knowledge transfer. The ultimate goal is to jointly address the practical challenges many developing countries face in energy access, grid stability, and the efficiency of clean energy utilization, supporting the green and resilient transformation of their energy systems, thereby contributing concrete efforts towards achieving global sustainable development goals.

Regarding a key party in this collaboration—the AB Charity Foundation—its unique background and mission infuse this partnership with distinct innovative characteristics. The foundation is an independent international non-governmental organization formally registered in Ireland and holding EU legal personality. A notable feature of its operation is that technical and funding support primarily comes from its close partner, AB DAO. The foundation is committed to exploring and practicing how to utilize disruptive cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence to fundamentally reshape the operational model of charitable endeavors. Its vision is to build a highly transparent, trustworthy, and fully traceable next-generation philanthropic infrastructure platform. Through such technological empowerment, the foundation aims to significantly enhance the execution efficiency of charitable projects, the credibility of fund usage, and the measurability of social impact, thereby more effectively promoting the sustainable development of various public welfare undertakings globally, including educational equity, healthcare, environmental protection, and humanitarian aid.

Therefore, the collaboration between AETDEW and AB Charity Foundation x AB DAO represents a powerful alliance between "professional expertise" and "innovative models." It is not merely cooperation between two institutions but also a profound dialogue and integration between traditional engineering/technological forces and emerging digital technology-driven philanthropic concepts. Both parties anticipate that through this cross-border alliance, more inclusive, adaptable, and forward-looking solutions can be stimulated, tangibly benefiting numerous developing countries and jointly striving to create a future world characterized by universal energy access, technology sharing, greater equity, and sustainability. The signing of the MoU marks the official commencement of this promising journey, with specific collaborative projects and outcomes to follow, eagerly awaited.