MIRI: Three young researchers from Curtin University Malaysia have been awarded the prestigious Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) Overseas Research Grants for 2023.
The researchers, Dr Tan Inn Shi, Dr Henry Foo Chee Yew and Dr Muhammad Noor Hazwan Jusoh, have been recognised for their innovative research projects in water-related environmental science and technology.
Their projects address critical water and environmental issues such as water pollution, sustainable water management, and climate change adaptation.
The grants will enable these researchers to conduct their studies both locally and abroad, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community and potentially addressing sustainability challenges in Sarawak.
Tan’s project focuses on designing a smart floating wetland structure with ozonolysis for treating urban wastewater at Miri River, supported by a JPY400,000 (RM12,630) grant.
Foo’s project investigates a mannich-modified tannin-based biocoagulant extracted from coconut mesocarp for desilting at Baram River, also with a JPY400,000 grant.
Noor Hazwan, along with Associate Professor Tony Hadibarata, received a grant for their project titled ‘Isolation of Urea-Resistant Bacteria for Bioremediation of Contaminated River in Bintulu, Malaysia,’ totalling JPY399,193 (RM12,604).
“We are incredibly proud of our young researchers and their remarkable achievement in securing the KWEF Overseas Research Grants,” said Professor Simon Leunig, pro vice-chancellor, president and chief executive of Curtin Malaysia.
“This recognition is a testament to their hard work and the quality of research conducted at Curtin Malaysia. We are confident that their endeavours will contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in water and environmental sciences.”
The Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) was established by Kurita Water Industries Ltd of Japan in 1997 to promote science and technology related to water and the environment.
It annually supports young researchers in Japan and Asia by providing grants to subsidise research activities and attendance at international conferences.
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