Ikhwan Khaleb brings nuclear energy awareness to Malaysia via social media
The NERS alum uses TikTok to educate the Malaysian public about nuclear energy, drawing on his academic training and professional experience.
For Ikhwan Khaleb, a recent Master’s graduate from U-M’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, growing up in Malaysia meant growing up surrounded by questions—about energy, science, and public perception. That curiosity led to a deep interest in nuclear engineering and, eventually, to the University of Michigan. While pursuing his degree at NERS, Ikhwan not only built technical expertise through coursework and research but also discovered a passion for public engagement. Now working as a senior thermal-hydraulic engineer at Holtec and building a growing science communication presence on TikTok, he’s helping shape the conversation around nuclear energy—especially in Malaysia. In this Q&A, he shares his journey, his insights on communicating science, and his hopes for the future of nuclear energy in Southeast Asia and beyond.
What brought you to study nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan?
I grew up watching a lot of science documentaries and was intrigued by the potential of nuclear energy from a young age. I was also raised in an environment that encouraged critical thinking where I was taught that the path of truth lies in continuously asking questions and seeking deeper understanding. Nuclear has long been a big taboo in Malaysia and that drove me to ask a lot of questions. In pursuit of understanding the reason why, I decided to dedicate my career to nuclear engineering. That is where the University of Michigan came into the picture and it was in many ways, an easy choice. NERS is one of the most respected nuclear engineering programs in the world with a strong history of research and a culture that emphasizes both academic rigor and real-world impact. I was drawn to the interdisciplinary approach and the opportunity to learn from one of the best minds in the field!
What inspired your interest in nuclear energy, particularly from a Malaysian perspective?
In 2011, the Fukushima nuclear accident occurred. That same year, Malaysia announced its intention to explore the potential of adopting nuclear power into its energy mix. Of course, that sparked a lot of backlash. Fast forward to 2018, the Malaysian Nuclear Power Corporation was halted despite the significant effort and investment made in laying the groundwork for nuclear power development in the country. This series of events made me even more interested in nuclear power. I began talking to many people about it, and I noticed a pattern—those who are strongly against nuclear power were often the ones who did not fully understand how it actually works. That realization motivated me to deepen my knowledge in this field in the hope that I could educate fellow Malaysians and contribute meaningfully to the national energy conversation.
You took NERS 490 and created a podcast episode on Malaysian views on nuclear energy. What did you learn from that project, and how did it shape your current work?
Initially, I planned to create a podcast but instead, the project evolved into a documentary-style video where I interviewed several Malaysians (including two nuclear experts) and discussed common misconceptions about nuclear energy. One key takeaway from this project was realizing just how critical public education is before a country can seriously consider adopting nuclear power. Nuclear energy (especially in Malaysia), has been misunderstood for decades, and there is an information/knowledge gap between professionals in the industry and the general public. I learned that bridging this gap is essential to ensure that people can make informed opinions based on facts rather than fear. This experience also taught me that public concerns about the dangers of nuclear power are valid and should never be dismissed. They need to be acknowledged and addressed. This understanding continues to shape my current work where I strive to promote accurate and easily accessible information about nuclear energy.
How did your time at U-M influence your approach to communicating about nuclear topics?
During my time at U-M, I had the opportunity to work at the Nuclear Reactor Design & Simulation Laboratory (NRDSL) under the supervision of Prof. Won Sik Yang alongside my brilliant labmates; Puran Deng, Seungug Jae, Ryan Willat, and Loc Duong. This experience significantly sharpened my analytical skills and taught me the importance of being critical and precise when it comes to technical accuracy. I also had the opportunity to interact with many bright individuals whose perspectives helped broaden my own. The interactions played a key role in shaping the way I approached communication on nuclear topics. In addition, taking NERS 490 was a turning point in how I approach science communication. The course helped me to develop the ability to break down complex physics concepts and present them in a way that is accessible to the general public.
You’re currently working with Holtec—what does your role there involve?
I am currently a Senior Thermal-Hydraulic Engineer at Holtec. My role involves analyzing the thermal performance of Holtec’s products which include spent fuel wet storage systems, dry storage casks, and small modular reactors.
How do you balance your professional work with your public-facing communication efforts on TikTok and elsewhere?
Balancing my professional work with my public communication efforts really comes down to purpose and discipline. My professional work is always my top priority whereas my content creation happens outside of that usually during evenings or weekends. What helps is that I see both roles as complementary where creating content forces me to explain complex nuclear concepts in simple terms, which deepens my own understanding and further improves my communication skills. Most of the time I plan ahead, sometimes by batching my videos and often focusing on clarity over volume. As my platform grows, I am also exploring tools and assistance to manage the workflow more efficiently.
What made you decide to become a nuclear energy communicator on TikTok?
My main goal is to bridge the knowledge gap between the nuclear industry and the general public with the aim of addressing and correcting common misconceptions about nuclear energy.
How do you approach translating technical concepts into content that’s engaging and understandable for your audience?
I make a conscious effort to avoid using technical jargon. Additionally, I challenge myself to explain nuclear concepts using relatable examples, oftentimes by using simple analogies or common household items to break down complicated ideas—for example using an electric kettle to explain how a nuclear reactor works, or explaining radiation using a banana as a reference point. This approach not only makes the content more accessible but also forces me to truly understand the core idea myself —if I can’t explain it simply, I probably don’t understand it well enough.
Your audience is primarily in Malaysia—how does the regional context shape the way you talk about nuclear energy?
In Malaysia, nuclear power is often associated with danger, weapons, radiation, or disasters like Chernobyl or Fukushima. So I start from the very basics, by focusing on trust-building, I use simple analogies and explain the misconceptions that the general public in Malaysia would have. I also take into account the cultural and political context. In Malaysia, nuclear energy has been explored, paused, and debated as so many people are skeptical or unsure. I try to present nuclear not as a political issue but as a science-based, long-term solution for energy security and climate change. And instead of fear, I try to inspire hope —that with the right knowledge and leadership, Malaysia can be a regional leader in clean energy innovation.
What kinds of questions or feedback do you get from your followers?
I have received a lot of positive feedback with many mentioning that my contents are to understand. At the same time, I also get strong opposition from some viewers who are skeptical of nuclear energy. I see this not as a setback but as an opportunity that highlights where I need to improve in addressing concerns and refining how I communicate more effectively.
You’ve been involved in conversations about the potential for nuclear energy in Malaysia. What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges?
The two biggest challenges are politics and public perception where they feed into one the other. As nuclear energy is still a sensitive topic in Malaysia, many people are misinformed and fearful. This opens doors for politicians to exploit it for political gain. Hence why I believe public education is crucial. When people are informed, the conversation shifts from fear to facts, allowing science-based policy decisions to take shape. On the other hand, the opportunities are huge. Malaysians are gradually becoming more open to discussing nuclear energy, and public discourse around the topic is growing. Nuclear energy can also help Malaysia achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 as outlined by the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and address the increasing energy demand from the influx of investments in data centers and digital infrastructure.
How do you think public perception of nuclear energy in Malaysia is evolving?
From what I have gathered, there is a positive trend. Despite the slow progress, Malaysians are gradually becoming more open to the idea of nuclear energy. There are valid concerns, especially around the country’s capability to safely operate nuclear power plants and manage spent nuclear fuel and these concerns are worth addressing. As public discourse on energy issues continues to grow and information is readily available online, Malaysians are becoming increasingly informed and engaged with the topic. This growing awareness is a promising sign for the future of nuclear energy in the country.
What role do you think young professionals and communicators like yourself can play in that transition?
My efforts may seem small, but I hope to contribute meaningfully to raising awareness about nuclear energy and ultimately spark curiosity and inspire more open dialogue. My goal is to help shift the public mindset, challenge misconceptions, and accelerate the transition by making the conversation more accessible.
You have a forthcoming paper with Muhammad Rafiul Abdussami (Rafi), a NERS current graduate student, what is it about and how did that collaboration come to be?
Yes! We are in the process of publishing a paper that evaluates the microreactor cost-competitiveness in the current electricity markets. Rafi is incredibly sharp and took the lead as the first author. It was initially a project that we worked on for NERS 524 taught by Prof. Gao and later evolved into a research effort in collaboration with Prof. Aditi Verma.
Are you working on any other nuclear-related research, media, or outreach projects right now?
Currently, I am working alongside a few industry colleagues on a non-profit organization called Critical Mass with the aim to promote nuclear power & technologies in Malaysia. I serve as the secretary of the organization, helping to coordinate our efforts and outreach. In addition, I occasionally get invited to give virtual talks to middle and high school students to spark interest and awareness about nuclear energy from a young age.
Looking back, what advice would you give to other students or professionals who want to get involved in science communication—especially in the nuclear field?
I am still learning as I go, however, my advice to students or professionals who are interested in science communication, especially in the nuclear field is to start small and stay grounded. Even explaining a concept clearly to a person is already meaningful and may impact someone’s life. Avoid using fancy jargon and use relatable examples to make complex ideas easier to understand. More importantly, be authentic and share why the topic matters to you and others, as people connect better through stories than numbers. Stay humble, open to feedback, and remember that the goal is not just to inform, but to build trust. Effective communication is the first step toward real change.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the NERS community or your followers?
I am grateful to be part of the NERS community which has played an important role in shaping my journey. The people I have met, the friendships I have built, and the environment at U-M have all encouraged me to strive for excellence. The experiences I gained also inspired me to take what I have learned beyond the classroom and apply it in the public sphere. To current students, do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. If an idea has been on your mind for a while, it is your brain’s way of telling you to go for it!
I am passionate about bridging the gap between science and society, and I am always open to collaborations or conversations with anyone who shares the same interests.