Curtin Malaysia students excel with cutting-edge algae monitoring innovation at international competition

Miri, Sarawak – 15 August 2024 – A team from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has clinched the runner-up position at the prestigious 2024 Malaysia-China Division Contest of the China International College Students Innovation Competition. This outstanding accomplishment underscores Curtin Malaysia’s leadership in nurturing innovative solutions and fostering entrepreneurial talent among its students and researchers.

The competition, hosted by Xiamen University Malaysia and backed by notable entities such as the Promotion Association for Global Youth Innovation Leaders Community (PILC), TusStar Malaysia, and Koperasi Graduan Muda Kebangsaan Berhad (KoGRAD), is renowned for challenging participants to push the boundaries of technical innovation and commercial viability. With 20 Malaysian universities in the fray, the stakes were high, but Curtin Malaysia’s team emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Comprising Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students Teoh Yuan Ju and Jessica Ling Siew Kiong, the Curtin Malaysia team impressed judges with their groundbreaking project titled ‘IoT Based Real-time Algae Monitoring Using Novel Optimal Spectral Model’. Guided by mentors Associate Professor Wong Wei Kitt and Associate Professor John Lau Sie Yon, the project is an interdisciplinary marvel that bridges expertise in micro-algae and IoT/sensor design. The innovation promises to revolutionise algae monitoring by replacing the laborious manual counting process with an efficient, real-time solution.

Their IoT-based sensor system, which leverages advanced spectral analysis, offers significant time savings and has the potential to transform industries reliant on algae monitoring. The project is already in advanced development stages, with upcoming publications and discussions underway with state government agencies about commercialisation prospects.

Associate Professor Wong praised the team’s ingenuity, saying, “The Curtin Malaysia team’s use of spectral analysis and IoT technology not only impressed the judges but also highlighted the commercial potential of their innovation. Their ability to present a practical and scalable solution secured them the second prize in this highly competitive arena.”

The judges were particularly struck by the market potential of the team’s product, which is anticipated to be competitively priced. The team expressed deep gratitude to the Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin Malaysia and Xiamen University Malaysia for their financial support, which was instrumental in enabling their participation.

Looking ahead, the Curtin Malaysia team is focused on refining the user interface of their product and developing a robust business plan. They are also laying the groundwork for intellectual property (IP) protection to safeguard their innovation as they move closer to market introduction.

This achievement is a testament to the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. It also reflects Curtin Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. With continued support from sponsoring organisations, the team is poised to further enhance their project and bring it to market, contributing to significant advancements in algae monitoring technology.

More information on Curtin Malaysia can be found at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Jessica Ling, Teoh Yuan Ju, and Associate Professor Wong Wei Kitt receive the award at Xiamen University Malaysia, marking their success at the international competition.

The IoT-Based Real-time Algae Monitoring System using a Novel Optimal Spectral Model, a pioneering innovation by the Curtin Malaysia team.