Curtin Malaysia secures RM3.7 million in grants for groundbreaking research under PETRONAS-Academia collaboration

Miri, Sarawak – 4 September 2024 – In a significant boost to its research and innovation capabilities, three research teams at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) have been awarded grants totalling some RM3.7 million under the prestigious PETRONAS-Academia Collaboration Dialogue (PACD) 2023 in Kuala Lumpur recently. The grants will fund pioneering projects aimed at advancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and green technology – core focus areas that align with global energy transition goals.

The first project, led by Dr. Garenth Lim King Hann, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, delves into ‘Efficient Harvesting and Monitoring of Marine Microalgae Species using an Integrated Flotation-Flocculation Approach’. This project targets optimising marine microalgae cultivation for biofuel production, potentially revolutionising the renewable energy sector.

Dr. Lim’s interdisciplinary team comprises experts from Curtin Malaysia and PETRONAS, including Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dr. Jonathan Phang Then Sien, Dr. Basil Andy Lease, Dr. Saaveethya Sivakumar, Associate Professor Lau Shiew Wei, Associate Professor John Lau Sie Yon, Associate Professor Law Ming Chiat, Brandon Tan Tian Shyong, Hariharan Suppaiah, and Ricky Lo.

The second project is spearheaded by Professor Agus Saptoro, Professor of Chemical and Energy Engineering, and is focused on enhancing lipid extraction from microalgae with a study titled ‘Understanding the Interactions between Solvent and Lipid Compositional Profiles to Improve the Effectiveness of Microalgae Lipid Extraction’.

Professor Agus’ team, comprised entirely of Curtin Malaysia researchers, namely Dr. Jibrail Kansedo, Dr. Lau Shiew Wei, Dr. Tan Yin Ling, and Ir. Dr. Christine Yeo Wan Sieng, aims to unlock new methods to streamline biofuel production, positioning the university at the forefront of alternative energy research.

Meanwhile, the third grant has been awarded to Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Inn Shi, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Energy Engineering and Deputy Dean of Research and Development at Curtin Malaysia, for a project on ‘Upgrading Microalgae-Derived Bio-Oils into deoxygenated feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel via Catalyst-Assisted Fast Co-Pyrolysis’.

This cutting-edge project, in collaboration with experts Ts. Dr. Lam Man Kee from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Professor. Ir. Ts. Dr. Pau-Loke Show from University of Nottingham Malaysia, and Ir. Ts. Dr. Henry Foo Chee Yew and Dr. Bridgid Chin Lai Fui from Curtin Malaysia, could play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector.

Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia accompanied by the grant awardees, received the grant award letter from Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia at the awards ceremony. Also present was Datuk Ir.Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President, Malaysia Petroleum Management, PETRONAS.

Commenting on the achievements, Professor Lee Chieng lauded the researchers for their groundbreaking work and highlighted the significance of the PACD grants in strengthening Curtin Malaysia’s reputation as a leader in innovative research and development.

“These grants not only underscore the calibre of our research teams but also reflect Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to driving forward-thinking solutions in collaboration with industry giants like PETRONAS,” said Professor Lee.

He also extended special thanks to John Curtin Distinguished Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan, Curtin Malaysia’s Dean of Research and Development, and the university’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) team for their unwavering support in securing these grants. “This achievement reinforces our vision of contributing to global sustainability through impactful research and solidifies Curtin Malaysia’s standing as a leading institution in Malaysia and within Curtin’s global network,” he added.

These groundbreaking projects are set to propel Curtin Malaysia further into the spotlight, contributing significantly to global discussions on energy transition and sustainability while affirming its role as a research powerhouse in the region.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Prof. Vincent Lee receiving grant award letter from Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud accompanied by Datuk Ir.Bacho Pilong (third left) and other representatives of Curtin Malaysia

Dr. Garenth Lim King Hann awarded grant for his project on harvesting and monitoring of marine microalgae

Prof. Agus Saptoro’s project focuses on enhancing lipid extraction from microalgae

Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Inn Shi’s project seeks to upgrade microalgae derived bio-oils to jet fuel