Curtin Malaysia wins gold medal, highly coveted awards at iCAN 2024 in Canada

MIRI (Sept 11): A senior lecturer at Curtin University Malaysia was among members of the team that clinched a gold medal and two highly coveted awards at the 9th International Invention Innovation Competition (iCAN 2024) in Canada.

Dr Tan Inn Shi led the team in an innovative research project, ‘Sustainable Innovations from the Sea: Converting Macroalgae Waste into Green Precursors for Bioplastics Production’.

The project had captivated panel judges with its potential to revolutionise bioplastic production using eco-friendly materials derived from marine resources.

The awards that the team won are 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.

The award-winning team comprised Dr Henry Foo Chee Yew and Dr Chong Soo Ling from Curtin Malaysia; Dr Lam Man Kee from Universiti Teknologi Petronas; and Dr Wong Mee Kee from Petronas Research Sdn Bhd.

According to Tan, the research project focuses on harnessing 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,” the senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering explains in the statement.

The cutting-edge process, she added, 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.

In his congratulatory message to the team, Curtin Malaysia’s acting pro vice-chancellor and chief executive Prof Vincent Lee praised the team’s exceptional achievements, stating that the recognition highlights the world-class research capabilities at the university.

“This project not only addresses critical environmental challenges but also reinforces our role as a leader in developing solutions for a more sustainable future,” he said.