UTAR bags three ITEX 2012 awards
Date: 19 May 2012
Two UTAR research teams won three awards at the 23rd International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) held from 17 to 19 May 2012 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The team led by Lecturer Tian Kian Wee (top, on right), the founder of UTAR Microalgae Sdn Bhd (UMSB), from the Faculty of Science, won a gold medal for the technique of growing seaweeds on land-based photo-bioreactors, which he developed with Prof Chou Hong Nong and Yang Chia Ying from National Taiwan University. The project also facilitates identifying algae species, out of thousands of unknown ones, as potential sources for biofuel feedstock, pharmaceutical compounds, and other applications. The innovation was a breakthrough in the Malaysia's seaweed farming industry, which was relying on traditional robe/net farming techniques.
Meanwhile UTAR research trio (top, from left), Dr Ng Soon Ching, Ir Dr Low Kaw Sai (leader) and Dr Tioh Ngee Heng have won the Malaysian Innovative Product Award 2012 and a bronze medal with their innovation of aerated lightweight concrete blocks and panels encased with special membranes. The team also won a silver medal at last year's ITEX for their innovation titled "Interconnected Used-Tyres with Lightweight Concrete Infill Buoyant System to Support Heavy Construction over Soft Ground".
