JOHOR BAHRU, 4 November 2025 – Innovation never stops as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully hosted the IBD Webinar Series 2025/49, centered around the theme of “Biotechnology: Science, Business & Society”. The webinar, which took place online from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on 4 November 2025, focused on “Functional Material Solutions to Some Environmental Challenges”.

The session featured Professor Lam Yeng Ming, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and President Chair in Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Assoc Prof Ir. Ts. Dr Rosnani Hasham @ Hisam, the IBD Director, introduced Prof. Lam. Dr. Nor Farahiyah Aman Nor, Research Officer at IBD, served as the moderator during the Q&A segment.

Professor Lam shared insights into her pioneering research concerning biomaterial innovations. A key highlight was the development of agriculture superabsorbent microgels designed to improve plant growth and soil water retention. She also elaborated on her work involving advanced environmental and energy-related devices, notably hybrid perovskite solar cells, which hold promise as efficient and sustainable energy solutions for the future. Hybrid perovskite solar cells have gained traction as a potential game-changer in renewable energy due to their high efficiency and low manufacturing costs.

Participants actively engaged in the Q&A session, delving into the potential of functional materials to advance green technologies, the convergence of biotechnology and materials science, and opportunities for future research collaborations between UTM and NTU. The discussions also touched upon the broader implications of biotechnology in addressing global challenges, reflecting the webinar’s theme of interconnecting science, business, and society.

The IBD Webinar Series continues to provide a vital platform for sharing cutting-edge scientific insights and promoting collaboration [1]. This reaffirms UTM’s dedication to advancing biotechnology for the benefit of both society and the environment. Those interested in future updates and webinars can visit www.utm.my/ibd or follow the Institute of Bioproduct Development, UTM on Facebook and YouTube.

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By: Dr. Nor Farahiyah Binti Aman Nor, Health And Wellness, Jabatan Timbalan Naib Canselor (Penyelidikan dan Inovasi)