TOKYO, ［August 20, 2025］- HighChem Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Taka Ushio), a global chemical trading company and manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd., a leading bus operator in Sarawak, Malaysia, for the introduction and promotion of fuel cell buses (FC buses) in Sarawak State.  

Under the terms of the MOU, the partnership will leverage Biaramas’ extensive expertise in regional bus operations and broad vehicle network, together with HighCHem’s hydrogen transport solution, high-efficiency alkaline water electrolysis and membrane technologies, and partnerships with leading Chinese fuel cell stack suppliers. By integrating these solutions, the two companies aim to provide Sarawak’s communities with reliable and environmentally friendly transportation options.

Sarawak State operates approximately 3.5 gigawatts of hydropower plants, leveraging abundant water resources and demonstrating significant potential for green hydrogen production. The state has developed its own hydrogen roadmap, aiming to establish a Sarawak hydrogen economy with a target of producing 100,000 tons of hydrogen annually by 2030.

Recent initiatives include the pilot operation of hydrogen refueling facilities and the deployment of hydrogen-powered public transport. The adoption of fuel cell buses by major operator Biaramas marks a significant step toward realizing a sustainable, decarbonized transportation system in the region.  

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In May 2025, HighChem signed an MOU with Sarawak Petrochem to utilize the company's proprietary SEG® technology (Syngas to Ethylene Glycol technology) for collaborative plant development and construction at the Bintulu petrochemical industrial complex in Sarawak State.  

HighChem operates large-scale licensing business for SEG® technology in China, with annual licensing capacity of 10 million tons as of today. Through the operation of these plants, the company has achieved annual hydrogen utilization of 1.3 million tons, accumulating extensive expertise and networks in hydrogen business operations both domestically and internationally. Particularly through collaboration with Carbon Energy, a Chinese climate tech company with advanced hydrogen technology capabilities, HighChem established the joint venture "HighEnergy Co., Ltd." this year. The partnership focuses on manufacturing green hydrogen production equipment (alkaline water electrolysis systems) and joint development and social implementation of technologies such as eDOC (atmospheric CO2 recovery technology via seawater), further expanding expertise in hydrogen and CO2 utilization fields.

Building on this foundation of expertise, HighChem will contribute to hydrogen utilization and sustainable transportation solutions in Sarawak State.

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HighChem, as both a chemical trading company and manufacturer, handles a wide range of products and technologies, from life science sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, and pesticides to cutting-edge electronic components. In addition, the company’s manufacturing-focused Sustainability Division operates four research institutes and a catalyst mass-production plant in Japan and China. HighChem has commenced the development and commercialization of decarbonization technologies based on its C1-based SEG® technology, which has a licensing track record of 10 million tons per year, and utilizes CO2 for chemical production. The company is also focusing on the development of bio-chemical technologies and energy storage systems. Moving forward, HighChem will continue expanding its global business with a focus on more innovative products, technologies, and services.

Company Name: HighChem Co., Ltd.
Head Office: 11F Tokyo Toranomon Global Square, 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
President: Ushio Taka
Business Overview: Import/export and sales of chemical products, contract manufacturing, technology licensing, catalyst production and sales, biodegradable materials sales, etc.

For more information, please contact:
＜HighChem Co., Ltd. Public Relations office＞
Ms. Kuroiwa (+81-90-6539-4213) TEL: +81-3-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp