Curtin Malaysia’s aquaculture research receives major boost with opening of new facility and prestigious research grants

Miri, Sarawak – 28 July 2024 – In a significant step forward for aquaculture research, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has successfully completed and opened its Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratories (CARL) and secured three prestigious research grants, marking a major achievement for its research teams.

The grants include two from the Ministry of Higher Education’s Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and one from the Selangor State Research Fund (Geran Penyelidikan Negeri Selangor – GPNS).

These grants are not only a testament to Curtin Malaysia’s research excellence but also a reflection of its growing role in addressing critical environmental and industrial challenges, particularly in the aquaculture sector, which is seen as vital to Sarawak’s economic future.

Driving Innovation in Aquaculture and Environmental Research

Leading the charge in aquaculture research is Dr. Lee Yih Nin, a lecturer in applied sciences, whose team secured an FRGS grant worth RM165,000 for their project titled ‘Growth Performance, Haemato-immunological Assessment and Resistance of Transport Stress of Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Fed with Fishbone Meal Supplemented with Garlic’.

Dr. Lee’s team includes prominent researchers Professor Rossita Shapawi from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Dr. Sharifah Raina Binti Manaf of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Associate Professor Chua Han Bing and Dr. Christine Yeo Wan Sieng of Curtin Malaysia, and industry partners, showcasing the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the project.

Their research aims to enhance the growth performance and stress resistance of Tilapia, a key species in Sarawak’s emerging aquaculture industry. By developing innovative feed formulations, the team hopes to contribute directly to the sustainability and productivity of local fish farming, a sector with immense potential to boost the state’s economy.

In parallel, Dr. Muhammad Noor Hazwan Bin Jusoh, a lecturer in civil and construction engineering, leads a second FRGS-funded project titled ‘Enzymatic Metabolism of Pharmaceutical Persistent Pollutants in a Wastewater Treatment System’, which received RM97,000 in funding. This research addresses the increasingly urgent issue of pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater, with wide-reaching implications for environmental protection and public health.

Dr. Muhammad Noor Hazwan’s co-investigators include Associate Professor Tony Hadibarata, Dr. Tan Inn Shi and Dr. Paran Anak Gani of Curtin Malaysia, Dr. Mohamed Zuhaili Bin Mohamed Najib of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Zulkifili Bin Said of Teras Berkat (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Adding to Curtin Malaysia’s aquaculture focus, Associate Professor John Lau Sie Yon secured a GPNS grant of RM97,000 for his project on developing ‘Encapsulated Microalgae Biopolymer Beads as a Sustainable Way of Treating High Nitrate Aquaculture Wastewater’. This groundbreaking work aims to solve one of the most pressing challenges in aquaculture – wastewater management – by offering a sustainable, nature-based solution to water pollution.

Associate Professor Lau’s collaborators are Associate Professor Steven Lim of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Dr. Paran Anak Gani of Curtin Malaysia, and Dr. Tan Toh Hii of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

“The success of these grants demonstrates our researchers’ dedication to solving real-world problems and contributing to the Sarawak State’s vision of becoming a leader in commercial aquaculture,” said Professor Simon Leunig, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia. “Our research is not only aligned with market needs but also with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that we make a meaningful impact on both local and global scales.”

Curtin Malaysia’s aquaculture research programme also includes three doctoral projects focusing on freshwater giant prawns, juvenile spiny lobsters, and juvenile giant trevallies, all species with high commercial value and relevance to Sarawak’s aquaculture industry.

Collaborative Research and Global Impact

Professor Leunig emphasised that the grants enable Curtin Malaysia’s researchers to expand their research programmes, collaborate with international experts, and present their findings on global platforms. “The funding will support the recruitment of talented researchers and provide more opportunities for knowledge transfer and innovation,” he added.

Dean of Research and Development, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan, echoed this sentiment, stating, “These grants reinforce our reputation as a leading research institution in ASEAN and underscore Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. We are not only addressing Sarawak’s key economic drivers but also contributing to global solutions for environmental and aquaculture challenges.”

Positioning Sarawak as a Leader in Sustainable Aquaculture

The completion of CARL could not have come at a better time. With Sarawak’s ambitious plans to develop commercial aquaculture along its extensive coastline and vast inland water bodies, Curtin Malaysia’s research is set to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and sustainable practices in the sector.

CARL was soft-opened in October last year by Curtin University Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne, and officially opened on 29 June 2024 in conjunction with Curtin Malaysia’s 25th anniversary by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Ismail, representing Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom.

In his text of speech read by the deputy minister, Dr. Rundi highlighted the aquaculture sector’s rapid growth in Sarawak and its crucial role in enhancing food security and economic prosperity. “As global demand for seafood and aquatic products soars, harnessing the latest scientific and technological innovations is imperative to ensure sustainable and efficient production,” he stated.

Dr. Rundi further emphasised CARL’s pivotal role in advancing research on sustainable fish farming practices, disease management, genetic improvement, and environmental impact assessment. “The research at these laboratories will not only boost the productivity and sustainability of our aquaculture industry but also provide invaluable insights into conserving our marine and freshwater resources,” he said.

Curtin Malaysia’s Research Strengths

Curtin Malaysia’s research spans a wide range of fields, from bioprocessing and green technology to digital innovation and rural entrepreneurship. The institution is particularly strong in aquaculture and South China Sea research, with its projects set to deliver long-term benefits to both the environment and the economy.

As the state of Sarawak continues to develop its aquaculture industry, Curtin Malaysia’s research will be critical in ensuring that growth is sustainable, impactful, and aligned with global environmental standards. With new facilities and the backing of substantial grants, Curtin Malaysia is poised to be at the forefront of aquaculture innovation 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.

Dr. Lee Yih Nin, Dr. Muhammad Noor Hazwan Bin Jusoh, and Assoc. Prof. John Lau Sie Yon

Dr Abdul Rahman (5th left) and others giving the thumbs up at the opening of CARL