In this fourth instalment of the ‘Voice of Hydrogen’ series, we speak with Ts. Noraziah Muda, the Head of the Renewable Energy and Green Technology Unit at TNB Research Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) – Malaysia’s largest electricity utility company. Noraziah’s inspiring journey from carbon capture research to leading one of the nation’s key hydrogen and green energy initiatives exemplifies both technical excellence and inclusive leadership.

With a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Process Engineering with Fuel Technology from The University of Sheffield (UK), Noraziah brings over a decade of expertise in low-carbon technologies, including hydrogen, carbon capture and renewable energy systems. As a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng), Professional Technologist (P.Tech) and member of several esteemed professional bodies such as the Malaysian Institute of Engineers (MIE) and ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer (ACPE), Noraziah has played a critical role in shaping Malaysia’s early hydrogen research and guiding its transition into practical, scalable energy solutions.

Her leadership extends beyond technical innovation, advocating for inclusive workplaces and championing women’s voices in the clean energy revolution. With her extensive experience, she exemplifies the evolving roles and impacts of women in advancing the hydrogen and energy industry in Malaysia.

Women Empowering Malaysia’s Energy Future

1. From carbon capture to clean hydrogen: A journey of leadership rooted in innovation and purpose
Noraziah’s journey into the hydrogen and clean energy sector began with her role as a Principal Researcher under the Low Carbon Power Generation section at one of Malaysia’s leading power utility companies. She was entrusted with the responsibility of exploring technologies to reduce carbon emissions from thermal power plants aligning with Malaysia’s commitment made during the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels).

“One of our earliest initiatives at the research centre focused on Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), a critical step in decarbonising the existing power infrastructure. As we progressed, we recognised that CO₂ storage technologies in the region were still maturing, and we began to explore CO2 utilisation pathways – specifically the hydrogenation of CO₂. This path required hydrogen as a ‘partner molecule’ and that marked the beginning of my work focused on hydrogen back in 2016. What began as niche research focus gradually evolved as the global narrative shifted and hydrogen emerged as a key enabler not only in CO₂ conversion but also in the production of green hydrogen, energy storage, mobility and as a long-term clean energy carrier.”

Being part of an R&D institute within the energy sector, Noraziah shared that her unique position provided not only the opportunity to solve today’s industry challenges but to anticipate and shape the technologies of tomorrow. What inspired Noraziah to accept a leadership position was the realisation that her team could use the opportunity to be at the forefront of not just research but of a national and regional movement towards energy transition.

“We had the privilege to look beyond short-term results and ask the critical question: What’s next for the industry? That spirit of foresight and innovation naturally fostered leadership. Women weren’t just observers of the global shift towards hydrogen – we were contributors, collaborators, and increasingly, thought leaders. I wanted to guide efforts that weren’t just incremental but transformational. Leading in this space meant having the courage to champion emerging ideas advocating for clean energy solutions and helping shape a future that is sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking for both our company and our country.”

2. Women leaders paving the way in Malaysia’s emerging hydrogen economy
Malaysia’s hydrogen economy is steadily gaining momentum as part of the broader national strategy to transition towards a low-carbon energy system. With the country’s abundant renewable energy resources and increasing pressure to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, hydrogen is emerging as a strategic solution to complement electrification. In particular, industries such as petrochemicals, steel production, aviation, maritime and heavy-duty transport are beginning to look towards hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels ¬– both as a clean energy carrier and as a key input for low-emissions industrial processes.
In this evolving landscape, women leaders are playing increasingly visible and impactful roles. In sectors like transport and energy technology, women now make up a growing percentage of the workforce – especially in areas such as hydrogen fuel cell development, sustainable mobility and research into green hydrogen production. For example, in engineering research institutions and government-linked organisations, more women are not just entering the field but also leading technical projects, driving policy recommendations, aligning research with real-world deployment, driving conversations that link science with business models and shaping pilot-scale implementation strategies and multisectoral cooperation. As Malaysia builds its hydrogen economy, women are not just participants, they are enablers of progress and inclusive transition planning.

“At the hydrogen research centre I currently lead, we are proud to maintain a strong gender balance with an almost equal number of men and women on our team. Many of the women in the centre hold significant senior roles, leading research clusters, managing industry collaborations, and driving strategic initiatives related to hydrogen and clean energy technologies. This diversity has proven to be a strength, contributing to more well-rounded problem solving, richer perspectives and greater resilience in navigating the complex energy landscape.”

3. Culture, flexibility and representation as catalysts in removing barriers for women
Generally, women in the energy sector continue to face various challenges, including underrepresentation in technical and leadership roles, a lack of visible role models and workplace culture that may unconsciously favour traditional leadership styles. Balancing family responsibilities also remains a key issue, especially in demanding sectors that require fieldwork, long hours, or frequent mobility, where flexibility is not always the norm.

However, Noraziah believes overcoming these barriers is entirely possible. Targeted leadership development programmes, equal access to technical training and the normalisation of flexible work arrangements are crucial steps forward. Women’s representation also plays a powerful role. When younger women see others like them succeeding in technical fields and boardrooms, it sends a clear message that the path is not only available but achievable. To make real progress, the energy sector must shift from viewing inclusion as a policy, to embracing it as part of its culture, a culture where talent is recognised regardless of gender, where women’s contributions are valued and visible, and where systems are designed to help everyone thrive.

Noraziah shares her energy transition journey with analysts during the ‘Energy Industry Sharing Session’ at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the importance of cross-industry collaboration in accelerating sustainable transformation

Additionally, Noraziah underlined the importance of creating supportive and inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the diverse roles women play, both professionally and personally.

“At my research centre, for example, we have an on-site nursery. I personally experienced how valuable this support was when my children were small. It allowed me and many other working mothers in our organisation to fully focus on our work, knowing our children were safe and nearby. Initiatives like this may seem simple, but they make a significant difference in empowering women to stay, grow and lead in their careers without having to choose between work and family.”

4. Creating a leadership pipeline for women in hydrogen requires structural and cultural changes
To see more women in leadership roles in the hydrogen and clean energy sector, Noraziah underscored the significance of committing to intentional, structural change at every level. As a mother of six and a leader in this space, Noraziah believes that talent is everywhere, but opportunity often isn’t.

From Noraziah’s perspective, she highlighted four solutions in fostering women’s leadership in the hydrogen and energy industry:

• First, the sector requires inclusive leadership pipelines for women early in their careers through education, mentorship and entry-level opportunities. Creating these spaces empowers girls and women to pursue technical and in-the-field roles. The hydrogen economy is still in its infancy, and that gives us a rare opportunity to shape it from the ground up – with diversity and balance in mind. Women bring unique perspectives that are essential for innovation, sustainability and collaboration, which are the very foundations of the energy transition.
• Second, smarter and family-conscious policies such as tax incentives or financial support for women returning to work after a career break, especially those in technical or leadership roles, would be a gamechanger. These policies not only support the balance between career and family life for women, but also acknowledge the value of women’s roles and potential in advancing the hydrogen and clean energy landscape.
• Third, it is important to establish a support system behind women leaders via, for example, shared responsibilities within the family or empowerment of those leaders’ partners.
• Finally, Noraziah reinforced trust and the empowerment of women in the industry as key to unlocking their leadership potential and solidifying an equitable ecosystem where women are part of the norm.

“Give women not just a seat at the table, but the voice and influence to lead. When we normalise women in technical and executive roles, we stop seeing them as exceptions, and start expecting them as part of the norm.”

5. Advice for the next generation of women in clean energy
Noraziah proposed that women in the industry ask this question: “How deep is your love for change, for progress, for the future you hope to shape?” From her perspective, success in the energy and hydrogen sector is not driven by technology alone, but is fuelled by passion, purpose and perseverance. Thus, she encourages new generations of women in hydrogen and industry to hold onto their passion – and use it to walk into and explore spaces with confidence and limitless curiosity. With love as the foundation, women in this industry should embrace challenges and edge their comfort zone – defying limitations that may have diminished them.

Finally, in her address to new generations of women joining the hydrogen and clean energy fields, Noraziah shares that women do not have to choose between ambition and family; with an uplifting and inclusive ecosystem, women can thrive in both family life and advancing the industry altogether.

“As a woman, a mother, and a leader in hydrogen innovation, I’ve lived the balance, and I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to choose between ambition and family. What you need is the right ecosystem: partners who walk with you, teams that uplift you, and workplaces that recognise your whole self. And when you’re in a position to lead, create the kind of environment that made your own journey possible. Above all, know this: your presence isn’t just welcomed, it’s essential. The clean energy transition depends not just on technologies, but on ‘the people’ driving them. We need more women with vision, with heart, and with deep love for the future to lead us forward.”

As Malaysia charts its course toward a low-carbon future, leaders like Noraziah Muda serve as both a compass and a catalyst – guiding innovation while paving the way for a more inclusive energy ecosystem. Her insights reflect not just the promise of hydrogen as a clean energy solution, but also the power of diverse leadership in solving complex, interconnected challenges. Noraziah reminds us that energy transition is not only a technological shift but a cultural one. By creating space for women to lead, innovate and thrive, we unlock the full potential of the hydrogen economy. And with trailblazers like Noraziah at the helm, Malaysia is well-positioned to power a cleaner, more equitable future for all.