From energy efficiency and refrigerant transition to intelligent building systems, Day One of MARVEX 2026 put the changes reshaping HVAC&R in focus. The MARVEX Power Talk: Industry brought policymakers, engineers and industry leaders together to examine how regulation, technology and sustainability are redefining cooling.
While their perspectives ranged from regulation and refrigerant transition to system design and building intelligence, the common thread was the need to move beyond conventional approaches to cooling.
For Dr. Ida Syahrina binti Hj. Shukor, Deputy Undersecretary, Energy Efficiency Section, Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, energy efficiency is increasingly moving into the mainstream of policy and industry action.
“Energy efficiency is being embraced across economic sectors, particularly in buildings, and we are seeing this translated into policies, regulations and programmes.”
But improving performance requires looking beyond individual equipment. Ir. Fadzil Shah, Managing Director of Xenergi, advocated that HVAC efficiency needs to be considered within the wider operations of a building.
“HVAC consumes a significant share of building energy, but efficiency has to be approached holistically, from design and operating hours to usage patterns and occupant behaviour. Start with a full audit rather than jumping immediately to solutions.”
The refrigerant transition was another major focus. Jack Wong, Project & Engineering Manager of WB Refrigeration pointed out, “We are moving towards refrigerants with the lowest possible global warming potential, and we see CO₂ as an important refrigerant for the future. As the technology develops, these systems are becoming increasingly relevant to the Malaysian market.”
Chew Soon Jin, CEO of NRS Process Systems, similarly called for greater adoption of natural refrigerants. “Our focus must be on cutting energy demand while making the environment safer for the next generation.”
Regulation will be integral to that transition. Ryan Ooi of the Department of Environment Malaysia highlighted Malaysia’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and the need for the HVAC&R sector to keep pace with the phase-down of HFCs.
“MARVEX provides an important platform, bringing regulators, technology providers and engineers together, allowing that knowledge to move directly into the industry.”
Technology is also changing what HVAC systems themselves can do. Ir. Au Chong Hun, Managing Director of PrimeTech Engineers, described the progression from individual products to systems that can respond dynamically to building conditions.
“We are moving from products to systems, and from systems to interactive, responsive systems that react to the needs of building occupants,” Ir. Au, who is also the Chief Consultant of the HVAC Innovation for Smart & Green Buildings Live Showcase, noted.
Ir. Huang Kah Yong, Director of CS Panel, reinforced the value of bringing this wider ecosystem together, stating, “MARVEX functions as a platform for engineers and developers to discover new solutions, exchange knowledge and develop business opportunities across regional markets.”
Taken together, the Day One conversations point to the HVAC&R industry being reshaped on several fronts at once, efficiency, decarbonisation, refrigerant transition, regulation and intelligent systems. The technologies are changing, but so too are the policies, engineering approaches and skills required to deploy them.
With three days remaining, MARVEX 2026 offers the industry a chance to see that transition unfold firsthand, and to engage with the people, technologies, and ideas driving what comes next.