In a world where nuclear energy is shrouded in misconception and fear, Ikhwan Khaleb is leading the charge to change how it’s being perceived as a passionate Malaysian Nuclear Engineer. Much like MyHeart’s Collaboration initiative, Ikhwan’s journey to work alongside other global experts, local communities and students shows that Collaboration is the key to shaping the future of energy in Malaysia and beyond.
A Childhood Fuelled By Curiosity
For Ikhwan, the journey started way before university labs and research reactors—it began with his curiosity and a remote control. When most kids were busy catching up with their favourite shows on Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon, Ikhwan watched documentaries on National Geographic and the Discovery Channel, intrigued by anything related to space, atoms and nuclear science. He didn’t know what it was, but he knew he had to find out.
“I was raised in an environment where questions were encouraged in my family. Even if I didn’t understand the answers, I kept asking”.
As he grew older, so did his curiosity. Ikhwan remembered that while the rest of the world debated over nuclear power after the Fukushima disaster in 2011, he was intrigued by how quickly Malaysia instead decided to take its first steps towards exploring nuclear energy by setting up the Malaysian Nuclear Power Corporation (MNPC). By the time he took Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2012, he realised nuclear engineering wasn’t just a fascination; it was the future he wanted to pursue.
Ever been the only Malaysian in an international classroom? — That was his university experience!
With his eagerness to discover a greater understanding of nuclear knowledge for himself and Malaysia, Ikhwan applied to and enrolled in Nuclear Engineering & Mechanical Engineering undergrad at Penn State University in the United States, becoming the only Malaysian in his batch. Instead of feeling isolated, he found a network of support and diverse perspectives that helped him better understand nuclear engineering. It became the stepping stone to his first collaborative experience.
Despite constantly explaining where he came from, whether Malaysia even had nuclear energy and why we mattered in this conversation, he added, “It wasn’t just about studying nuclear reactors or isotopes. It was about learning from one another, exchanging ideas and questioning everything.”
However, being the only Malaysian didn’t intimidate him; it motivated him. Every moment of doubt was anchored in a bigger purpose of learning for himself and the future of his nation.
Working With Other Malaysians To Build Nuclear Awareness
Being in the niche field of nuclear engineering, Ikhwan never stopped finding ways to bring nuclear conversations back home. From hosting Clubhouse chats during the COVID-19 pandemic, having educational talks through Facebook Lives and ML Studio, sharing bite-sized nuclear facts on TikTok, Instagram and X and later on collaborating with student associations, his goal was always the same:
“To talk about nuclear energy in a more accessible, relatable and less intimidating way, while showing how it can benefit everyday life.”
Recently, one of his social media posts went viral and caught the eye of an educator from Sri KDU International & Private Schools, who invited him to give a talk to the students there.
“Of course, I said yes immediately. I’m always ecstatic to share this journey and inspire others. Every conversation teaches me something new. It’s like a two-way communication and learning experience,” Ikhwan adds excitedly.
Busting Nuclear Myths Through Social Media, One Post At A Time
While he has a day job as a Senior Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer at Holtec International in Philadelphia, USA, he sees content creation as part of his mission to make science accessible for young Malaysians who are curious but don’t know where to start.
One of the biggest misconceptions he usually gets from Malaysians? Most people have a stigma regarding nuclear reactors, including the TRIGA PUSPATI Reactor (RTP) in Bangi, Malaysia, that their uses are either for generating power or to be weaponised.
In reality, our RTP isn’t for that. Instead, it operates as a research reactor that offers more benefits than drawbacks. For example, researchers utilised the neutron beams from the RTP in mutation breeding, where crop seeds are irradiated to enhance crop yields in Malaysia, making them better and more resistant. It also plays an important role in Malaysia’s Research and Development (R&D) in agriculture to ensure we remain competitive with our Southeast Asian neighbours.
Additionally, he shares how radiation is used to preserve the freshness of food during global trade. “We use high-energy radiation to preserve imported food, like red meat, vegetables and fruits, by killing harmful bacteria and microorganisms during the transportation process to Malaysia. The radiation particles don’t remain in the food — it simply makes it safer to be consumed.”
Ikhwan assures that when radiation is used safely, it isn’t something to be feared but a powerful tool for our everyday lives. In addition, Ikhwan shares that nuclear energy is beneficial for medical purposes, radioisotope production, manufacturing industries and even oil and gas exploration.
He adds, “Once people understand how nuclear energy works and its benefits, the fear starts to fade”.
So, is Malaysia ready for nuclear power?
Ikhwan understands the public’s fear, especially with incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, which have left a lasting impression. However, with our TRIGA PUSPATI Reactor (RTP) operating safely and incident-free for more than 40 years, the potential for nuclear energy in Malaysia is vast.
With a strong pool of Malaysian nuclear experts ready to contribute as we develop nuclear power, Malaysia could be on its way to be a leader in nuclear research. Realising this potential will require close collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, academics and the public.
Ikhwan believes that Malaysia can successfully adopt nuclear energy with an approach that embraces collaboration, benefiting our economy, technology, environment and people.
His journey as a nuclear engineer proves that progress doesn’t come from individuals working alone. It’s about coming together and sharing knowledge to understand and create the bigger picture.
If you are a Malaysian abroad like Ikhwan and would like to collaborate for the future development of our nation, register today to start collaborating.
