UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology
(FEGT) academics, namely Prof Dr Sumathi Sethupathi, Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr
Leong Kah Hon and Assoc Prof Dr Yamuna Munusamy, and FEGT Doctor of
Philosophy (Engineering) student Tan Sin Ying won the Gold award at the
Malaysia Technology Expo 2023 (MTE 2023): Sustainable Development Goals
International Innovation Awards and Expo.
Held from 18 to 20 October 2023, the virtual MTE
2023: SDG International Innovation Awards and Expo which has been a leading
innovation event for over two decades, aimed to recognise exceptional
innovators, researchers, scientists, students, and entrepreneurs worldwide.
It also aimed to establish a culture of innovation and excellence among the
research communities globally. The event saw more than 70 submissions.
Led by Prof Sumathi, the UTAR team was awarded a Gold
medal for their invention titled, “FISCOFF”. When asked to describe their
project, Prof Sumathi explained, “FISCOFF is a product to recover nitrate
and nitrate pollutants from aquaculture wastewater which causes hazards to
the fishes and eutrophication to water bodies. Moreover, these pollutants
can be converted to nutrients if they can be recovered. Hence, this
innovation idea is to recover nitrate and nitrite from aquaculture
wastewater and reutilise the pollutant as nutrients for soil conditioning.”
She added, “I used waste material as a source of
value-added material to solve the currently taxing water pollution problem
at the aquaculture farm. This technology can be easily adopted by local fish
farmers to solve the wastewater problem and they can generate additional
income from this activity. I joined this competition to showcase UTAR’s
research which could impact the environment, society and the aquaculture
industry. Winning this prize is a satisfying experience for me and it
motivates me to conduct more research using waste-abundant materials.”
Prof Sumathi and her team walked away with
certificates and gold medals.
Themed, ‘Empowering
Progress through Innovations towards Sustainable Development Goals’, the
MTE 2023 aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among
the researchers; and the awards accelerate the adoption and implementation
of sustainable energy and green technology solutions, making significant
strides toward achieving the SDGs and creating a more sustainable future for
all.
Besides winning the Gold award for the category of
Environment and Natural Resources, the award-winning UTAR project has also
been contributing directly to SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and
Sanitation), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation
and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 14
(Life Below Water).
Organised by the Professional Trade Exhibitions and
Meeting Planners Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (PROTEMP), MTE 2023
provided a platform for the participants to highlight how their innovation
aligns with the SDGs. It allowed them to share their success stories,
breakthrough technologies, and impactful initiatives with a diverse audience
of industry experts, policymakers, investors, and fellow innovators. By
demonstrating the tangible outcomes and benefits of their innovations, they
not only inspire others but also attract potential collaborators, investors,
and partners who share their vision for sustainable development.
This research project, titled FISCOFF was sponsored
by the Ministry of Higher Education, under the Long-Term Research Grant
Scheme (LRGS/1/2018/USM/01/1/2).
Prof Sumathi with her certificate of
achievement at the FISCOFF production system sponsored by MoHE-LRGS
Gold awards won by Prof Sumathi’s
team
Virtual Gold award winner’s
announcement
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