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The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) is celebrating a remarkable accomplishment as their researchers have secured substantial funding to advance essential research projects. These grants, totalling RM 430,500, were granted through the Malaysia Higher Education Ministry's Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS). Three dedicated research teams have received these grants, acknowledging their dedication to pioneering scientific exploration.
Associate Prof Ir Dr. Go Yun Ii leads a team working on the research project titled 'Investigation of New Hygroscopic Nanostructure via Additive-Enhanced Technique to Achieve High Precision Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing for Humidity Controlled Industries'. This project has received a grant of RM 159,500. The significance of this work is to exhibit precise humidity sensing for pharmaceutical, medical and healthcare industries. This project is aligned with National STIE niche areas on sensors and advance material, smart technology and systems. The outcome of this project serves as socio-economic drivers which impacts the medical and healthcare industry as well as smart technology and systems industries on next-generation engineering and manufacturing.
Meanwhile, Ir Dr. Edwin Lim Chun Hsion is leading a project titled "Study of Industry 5.0 concept for oil palm industry via multi-dimension pinch and multi-period TOPSIS mathematical modelling approaches" His team has been awarded RM124,500, which will be utilized investigate optimal smart technology implementation in the oil palm industry with consideration of human displacement issues. The outcome of the project would support stakeholders to adopt a healthy Industry 4.0 Revolution transformation strategy for a high human labour dependency industry.
Dr. Wong Voon Loong is the project leader for "Investigating a new formulation of a 3D-printed multifunctional PEDGA monolith with hierarchical porous structures for enhanced water treatment," contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on water and sanitation (SDG 6) and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). His team has received RM 146,500 in funding. The success of the project will drive the innovation and exploration of a sustainable advanced materials with embedded functionalities for enhanced water treatment, which support smart manufacturing and 10-10 MySTIE framework.
These grants mark a significant milestone in the university's research endeavours, demonstrating the government's acknowledgment and support for the pursuit of scientific advancements and cutting-edge fundamental research. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia remains committed to promoting innovative research that addresses critical challenges and brings about a positive impact.