Three young researchers at Curtin Malaysia secure research grants from Kurita Water and Environment Foundation

Miri – 23 October 2023 – Three brilliant young researchers at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) have been successful in their applications for prestigious Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) Overseas Research Grants for 2023. This remarkable achievement demonstrates Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to promoting cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of water-related environmental science and technology.

The KWEF Overseas Research Grant is highly competitive and supports outstanding researchers who are dedicated to addressing critical water and environmental issues. Selected recipients of the grant have the opportunity to conduct their research in their own countries and abroad, expanding their knowledge, networks, and expertise.

The three promising young researchers from Curtin Malaysia are senior lecturers in chemical and energy engineering Dr. Tan Inn Shi and Dr. Henry Foo Chee Yew, and lecturer in civil and construction engineering Dr. Muhammad Noor Hazwan Bin Jusoh.

Their research project proposals encompass various areas of water and environmental sciences, aiming to tackle pressing issues such as water pollution, sustainable water management, and climate change adaptation.

Dr. Tan’s research project involves designing a smart floating wetland structure with ozonolysis for treating urban wastewater at Miri River, for which she received a ¥400,000 (RM12,630) grant, while Dr. Foo’s project will investigate a mannich-modified tannin-based biocoagulant extracted from coconut mesocarp for desilting at Baram River. He, too, received a grant amounting to ¥400,000.

Meanwhile, Dr. Muhammad Noor Hazwan, along with his co-investigator Associate Professor Tony Hadibarata, received a grant for ¥399,193 (RM12,604) for his project titled ‘Isolation of Urea-Resistant Bacteria for Bioremediation of Contaminated River in Bintulu, Malaysia’.

Through their innovative and impactful research, these scholars will contribute valuable insights to the scientific community and potentially address sustainability challenges in Sarawak.

“We are incredibly proud of our young researchers and their remarkable achievement in securing KWEF Overseas Research Grants,” said Professor Simon Leunig, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia. “This recognition is a testament to their hard work and the quality of research conducted at Curtin Malaysia. We are confident that their endeavours will contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in water and environmental sciences.”

The researchers have commenced their research projects, and through their collaborations and contributions, they will not only enhance their own expertise but also promote Curtin Malaysia as a centre of excellence for research in water and environmental sciences.

Curtin Malaysia is the largest international campus of Curtin University, a global university with campuses in Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, Mauritius, and Singapore. The Malaysia campus offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various fields of study and is committed to fostering research excellence and providing its students with exceptional educational experiences.

The Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) was established by Kurita Water Industries Ltd. of Japan in 1997 with the aim of contributing to the promotion of science and technology relating to water and the environment. Each year, it supports young researchers in Japan and Asia working in the fields of water and water environments with grants to subsidise the cost of research activities and attending international conferences. Since 2008, it has also been presenting the Kurita Outstanding Research Award to truly outstanding researchers among the grant recipients.

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

(L-R) Dr Tan Inn Shi, Dr Henry Foo Chee Yew, Dr Muhammad Noor Hazwan Bin Jusoh.