Where the sun shines for inventor
Architect is proud to put nation in limelight
PETALING JAYA: Architect and inventor Teoh Siang Teik’s heart lies in Malaysia, despite his extensive travels the world over.
“I have been everywhere but in the end, I always come back to Malaysia because this is where home is,” he said in an interview with the “Negaraku” initiative’s portal.
The initiative, launched in conjunction with the 60th Merdeka celebration this year, is aimed at igniting the spirit of patriotism in the people.
For Teoh, Negaraku is about the people of Malaysia, their cultures and the great variety of excellent local cuisines, as well as a nation where everyone accepted each other despite their diverse roots.
He gained fame for inventing the world’s most powerful and efficient solar-powered water heater – now used all over the world.
It all started with his desire to go trekking in Nepal, which led the then young Teoh to Kathmandu in 1982. He was part of a United Nation’s development programme to build solar-powered water heaters for 69 rural homes there.
Teoh initially faced scepticism when he decided to build his own solar-powered water heater which would also operate efficiently in cloudy and cold conditions.
“Everybody said it could not be done but 10 years later my invention is being used around the world,” he said.
He is proud to have brought recognition to Malaysia through his invention and has been hailed as a world hero by Time magazine.
“When people ask where does the best solar-powered water heater come from, they are surprised that it does not come from Japan, Germany or the United States, but from Malaysia,” he said.
He said Malaysians are well equipped to continue inventing products which could also be recognised globally.
Teoh is grateful to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation for helping promote his invention.
His solar-powered water heater was granted international patents by the World Intellectual Property Organisation in 1997 and achieved excellent results during a winter test in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, in the United States in 2004.