KUCHING – A team from the Centre of Lipids Engineering and Applied Research (CLEAR), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), led by its director, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Muhammad Abbas bin Ahmad Zaini, embarked on a two-day visit to Sarawak from 29th to 30th August, aiming to forge collaborative ties with key institutions and agencies in the region.

The visit marked a significant step toward fostering promising collaborations, thanks to CLEAR’s recent success in securing the prestigious Geran Kursi Premier Sarawak from the Sarawak Land and Survey Department. This grant supports CLEAR’s groundbreaking project, “Synergize Process Palm Oil Lipids Condensate to Recover Interest Compounds for Health and Wellness,” which spans two years and involves three integrated research initiatives: extracting valuable compounds like polyphenols, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol, developing porous materials, and exploring anti-inflammatory applications of these compounds.

The team’s first stop was at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), where they were warmly welcomed by the Faculty of Engineering. The grant presents exciting opportunities for collaboration, including the potential to recruit Sarawakian graduates as research officers or postgraduate students. CLEAR also extended an invitation to UNIMAS academic staff to join as associate fellows, further enhancing research opportunities. Additionally, UNIMAS was invited to co-organize the upcoming 5th International Conference on Separation Technology (ICoST 2025), opening doors for joint academic ventures.

At the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), the discussions centered around postgraduate student enrolments and attachment programs that would allow UTM students to gain hands-on experience in real-world biodiversity projects. Both institutions explored the possibility of joint research, particularly in areas like microalgae studies and innovative methods for preserving biological materials.

CLEAR’s visit highlights its commitment to strengthening research partnerships, focusing on innovation, knowledge exchange, consultancy, and student and staff mobility. This collaboration promises to push the boundaries of scientific research, with practical applications that could significantly benefit both the academic community and the wider public.

Both UNIMAS and SBC are enthusiastic about the potential impact of these partnerships, as they leverage CLEAR’s newly awarded funding to drive innovative solutions in lipid engineering and biodiversity research.

By Dr. Aishah Rosli (aishahrosli@utm.my) and Dr. Shuhada Atika Idrus Saidi (shuhada.atika@utm.my)

Source: UTM NewsHub