XMUM Student Recognized at Toray Science and Technology Research Symposium
Tey Ker Yee, a Master's student from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), presented her research findings at the 2024 Toray Science and Technology Research Symposium held at Universiti Malaya on 6 November 2024.
Her research, titled "Enhanced 1,3-Propanediol Productivity via Microbial Immobilization of Locally Isolated Strain", focuses on improving the production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO), a valuable chemical derived from crude glycerol fermentation. This work addresses challenges such as inhibitory effects from direct crude glycerol fermentation and the need for higher cell density to improve productivity. By introducing pre-treatment methods and microbial immobilization techniques, the research aims to overcome these barriers.
The event is attended by XMUM Assistant President Prof Wang Hui-Qiong, the main supervisor Dr. Tan Jian Ping and postgraduate students.
This project, supported by the RM12,000 grant she received in 2022 through the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation (MTSF) Science & Technology Research Grant (STRG), marked the first time XMUM secured this funding. The STRG program aims to support young Malaysian researchers under the age of 40 in pursuing fundamental research in science and technology.
Reflecting on her experience, Tey Ker Yee expressed gratitude for the guidance of her supervisor, Dr. Tan Jian Ping, and the support of XMUM:
"This journey has been filled with both challenges and growth. From the application process to conducting experiments and presenting my findings, I've learned invaluable lessons that have shaped me as a researcher and individual."
The symposium, jointly organized by MTSF and Universiti Malaya, serves as an annual platform for grant recipients to share their final research outcomes. This year's event featured presentations from 10 researchers selected from over 500 applicants. Panelists included distinguished academics such as Academician Tan Sri Professor Emeritus Dr. Augustine S.H. Ong and Prof. Emeritus Dr. Yong Hoi Sen.
Prof. Yong Hoi Sen, Chairman of the MTSF Selection Committee, highlighted the competitiveness of the grant:
"The committee receives more than 500 applications annually, but only selects projects that demonstrate significant potential to contribute to society."
Assistant President of XMUM, Prof. Wang Hui-Qiong, and Dr. Tan Jian Ping, who supervised Tey Ker Yee's research, were present at the symposium, underscoring the university's support for its researchers.
The Malaysia Toray Science Foundation aims to advance science and technology in Malaysia by funding impactful research in natural sciences. Tey Ker Yee's achievement showcases XMUM's growing contribution to research and development in the region.
For more details about the MTSF and its grant recipients, visit their website at MTSF Grant Recipients: https://www.mtsf.org/programs/science-and-technology-research-grant-recipients.html