Curtin Malaysia’s Dr. Tan Inn Shi wins prestigious IEM Young Engineer Award 2025 for breakthroughs in green aviation fuel and bioplastics

Miri, Sarawak – 5 June 2025 – In a recognition of innovation and impact, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Tan Inn Shi, Deputy Dean of Research and Development at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) , has been awarded the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Young Engineer Award 2025 for her trailblazing research in sustainable engineering.

The prestigious award, one of the highest honours for early-career engineers in Malaysia, was presented by IEM President Ir. Professor Dr. Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin during the Institution’s 66th Annual General Meeting at Wisma IEM’s Malakoff Auditorium in Petaling Jaya recently.

Dr. Tan, a chemical engineer by training, is being celebrated for her groundbreaking work in renewable energy technologies, especially in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biodegradable plastics derived from agricultural waste – advancements that are set to transform two of Malaysia’s most environmentally challenging sectors: aviation and plastics.

Her SAF research, conducted through Curtin Malaysia’s renewable energy research division, focuses on converting algae and palm biomass into low-emission aviation fuel, a game-changing development that supports Malaysia’s push for carbon neutrality and could redefine the future of flight in the region.

In parallel, Dr. Tan is leading efforts to develop bioplastics from macroalgae biomass waste, offering an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics and tackling one of the nation’s most pressing environmental threats – plastic pollution.

“This award is more than a personal milestone; it is a win for sustainable engineering,” Dr. Tan said in her acceptance speech. “Our research bridges academia and industry to tackle real-world problems, from decarbonising air travel to reducing our dependence on petrochemical-based plastics.”

Curtin Malaysia’s Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, Professor Vincent Lee, congratulated Dr. Tan, saying, “Dr. Tan exemplifies the kind of impact-driven, solutions-oriented research we champion at Curtin Malaysia. Her recognition by IEM is a proud moment for the university and a strong signal of Sarawak’s growing leadership in green technology.”

The IEM Young Engineer Award recognises outstanding engineers under 40 who have made significant contributions to the profession through technical excellence, innovation, and societal impact. Dr. Tan’s recognition places her among the country’s most promising engineering minds and highlights the critical role of research institutions like Curtin Malaysia in driving Malaysia’s sustainability agenda.

With this national recognition, Dr. Tan hopes to inspire more young engineers – especially women – to pursue careers at the forefront of sustainability science.

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

Dr. Jeffrey Chiang (left) presenting the IEM Young Engineer Award 2025 to Dr. Tan Inn Shi