Curtin Malaysia academic and research leader wins prestigious national Young Professional Award

Miri, Sarawak – 3 August 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) continues to strengthen its reputation for academic and professional excellence, with one of its leading engineering academics and research leaders receiving national recognition for her outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and sustainable development.

Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Inn Shi, Deputy Dean of Research and Development at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, has been honoured with the Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) Young Professional Award 2026 in the Engineering, Construction and Property category. She was nominated for the award by The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM).

The prestigious award was presented during the BIM Dinner and Awards Night held on 15 July in Petaling Jaya, bringing together distinguished professionals from 23 leading Malaysian professional bodies. Held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the annual event celebrates exceptional professionals whose work is shaping the nation’s future while promoting greater collaboration across industries and disciplines.

Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan was recognised for her outstanding professional achievements, emerging leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing engineering excellence and contributing to Malaysia’s sustainable development agenda. Her research particularly focuses on the valorisation of biomass and waste resources into sustainable products, including bioplastics and sustainable aviation fuel, advancing the circular bioeconomy.

Congratulating Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan on the achievement, Curtin Malaysia’s Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, said the award reflects both her professional excellence and the University’s commitment to nurturing leaders who make meaningful contributions beyond academia.

“This prestigious national recognition is a testament to Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan’s passion for research innovation, professional leadership, and sustainable engineering. Her achievements exemplify the calibre of talent at Curtin Malaysia and reinforce the University’s commitment to producing knowledge and expertise that create lasting impact for industry and society.

“Dr. Tan’s success also serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and young professionals, demonstrating that innovation, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose can drive meaningful change for communities and the nation,” he said.

Expressing her gratitude, Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan described the award as both an honour and a motivation to continue advancing engineering research and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and the professional community.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia. This award reflects the collective support of my colleagues, collaborators, students, and the University. I hope it encourages more young engineers to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and contribute towards building a more sustainable future,” she said.

The BIM Young Professional Award recognises promising professionals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership potential, and significant contributions to their respective professions at an early stage of their careers.

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Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Inn Shi proudly displays the Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) Young Professional Award 2026 trophy and certificate.