Curtin Malaysia lecturer and student among Curtin’s best and brightest innovators to shine at annual award

Miri – 10 August 2023 – A deployable sensor system capable of flying under the radar to track aircraft and satellites, a chatbot designed to support mental health in young people and a leading national education platform that is improving access to school content are among the 19 finalists for Curtin University’s annual Curtinnovation Awards for 2023 announced by the university recently.

Among the finalists is a team of researchers from Curtin University’s Malaysian campus (Curtin University Malaysia) that has developed an AI-driven model to predict the quality of a pineapple that does not damage the fruit.

With Malaysia producing on average 400,000 to 600,000 tonnes of pineapples yearly, this new innovation aims to benefit the local pineapple market by helping producers identify higher quality varieties whilst reducing product waste.

Curtin University Commercialisation Director Rohan McDougall congratulated the finalists on transforming innovative research into real-world solutions.

“The judging panel and selection committee, made up of industry professionals, has unanimously agreed this year’s pool of applicants is among the highest quality we have seen in the award’s 16-year history,” McDougall said.

The Curtinnovation Awards recognise and celebrate individuals and teams that have made significant strides in innovative research, developing new innovations through research, study or work at Curtin University that have the potential to significantly benefit society.

McDougall said that the finalists would receive wider recognition of their work and be considered for further support towards commercialisation of their innovations. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Perth on 20 October, and will share a prize pool valued at AUD$100,000.

The outstanding contributions to research and innovation of the Malaysian finalists, Ir. Dr. Christine Yeo Wan Sieng and Eric Chua Yong Hong, through their innovation entitled ‘A New AI-driven Model to Predict Pineapple Quality based on the Fruit’s Skin Colour’ propelled them to be among the top contenders for this prestigious recognition.

Ir. Dr. Yeo is a senior lecturer and researcher in Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering while Chua is a chemical engineering research student under Ir. Dr. Yeo’s supervision.

Curtin Malaysia’s Dean of Research and Development Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan said, “Ir. Dr. Yeo has consistently displayed exceptional dedication and expertise in her research work. Her pioneering work in inferential sensor design has garnered widespread recognition and appreciation from peers and experts alike. By pushing the boundaries of knowledge and adopting innovative methodologies, she has made significant advancements in her field.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Simon Leunig, meanwhile, said, “Through her efforts, Ir. Dr. Yeo has not only contributed to the scientific community but also enhanced the reputation of Curtin Malaysia as an esteemed research-active institution. Her commitment to excellence and pursuit of cutting-edge research have stood out among a highly competitive field of finalists.”

Prof. Leunig also congratulated Chua on his contribution, saying, “Research students like Eric are instrumental in driving our research activities, securing research grants, and winning awards. Their contributions fuel innovation, expand knowledge, foster collaborations, and help shape the future of research and academia.”

Prof. Leunig wished both Ir. Dr. Yeo and Chua the best of luck in the finals in October.

For more information about the Curtinnovation Awards, visit curtin.edu.au/engage/entrepreneurs/curtinnovation-awards/.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at www.curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Ir Dr Christine Yeo Wan Sieng and research student Eric Chua Yong Hong