Curtin Malaysia team wins gold, top awards at iCAN 2024 for microalgae-based bioplastic innovation

Senior lecturer from Curtin Malaysia's Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering Ir Ts Dr Tan Inn Shi.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 9: Ir Ts Dr Tan Inn Shi and her team from Curtin University Malaysia achieved outstanding success at the 9th International Invention Innovation Competition (iCAN 2024) in Canada, winning a gold medal and two prestigious awards for their project on using microalgae to create green bioplastic precursors.

They won the International Special Award from the World Invention Intellectual Property Association (WIIPA) and The Canadian Special Award from the Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc ‘The Inventors Circle’ in Toronto.

Leading the innovative project, Tan, a senior lecturer from Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, showcased their groundbreaking research titled ‘Sustainable Innovations from the Sea: Converting Macroalgae Waste into Green Precursors for Bioplastics Production’.

According to a media release, the project impressed judges with its potential to revolutionise bioplastic production using eco-friendly materials derived from marine resources.

The award-winning team also included key contributors – Ir Ts Dr Henry Foo Chee Yew and Dr Chong Soo Ling from Curtin Malaysia, Ts Dr Lam Man Kee from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and Dr Wong Mee Kee from PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd.

Speaking about the achievement, Tan emphasised the environmental significance of the innovation, highlighting that their research harnesses the potential of macroalgae, an abundant and often underutilised resource, to create sustainable green precursors for bioplastics.

“By transforming seaweed waste into valuable materials, we aim to address global waste challenges while supporting sustainable development,” she explained.

She also noted that this cutting-edge process offers a promising alternative to traditional petrochemical-based plastics, aligning with efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy.

“The bioplastic components developed from seaweed biomass could play a vital role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating plastic pollution,” she added.

Curtin Malaysia acting Pro-Chancellor Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen praised the team’s exceptional achievements.

“This project not only addresses critical environmental challenges, but also reinforces our role as a leader in developing solutions for a more sustainable future. Curtin Malaysia’s success at iCAN 2024 reflects the university’s dedication to advancing research and innovation with a positive global impact,” he said. — DayakDaily