The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) Global
2025, organised by the Royal Academy of Engineering, has recognised Prof Dr
Chong Kok Keong, an academic from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering
and Science (LKC FES), for his groundbreaking Dense-Array Concentrator
Photovoltaic (DACPV) system. The awards ceremony, held online on 27 June
2025, brought together innovators from across the globe, highlighting
cutting-edge technologies with significant social and economic impact.
Prof Chong’s DACPV system
represents a significant advancement in solar energy technology. Combining
novel optical concentrators with high-performance multi-junction solar cells
(MJSCs), the system achieves a remarkable 40% energy conversion efficiency.
This technology not only generates electricity but also repurposes waste
heat for applications such as water heating or space cooling, making it a
cost-effective and sustainable solution for clean energy.
The success of this achievement reflects over 15
years of dedicated research by Prof Chong and his team. The team members
include former UTAR academics Dr Wong Chee Woon, Dr Yew Tiong Keat and Ts Dr
Tan Ming Hui, UTAR postdoctoral researcher Dr Tan Woei Chong, and UTAR
research fellows Mr Tiow Yik Hong and Mr Saw Ting Xian. “This achievement
shows that our research output has a high potential for future
commercialisation on an international platform and is highly relevant to
UNSDG goals. Through this fellowship programme, we hope to bring this
innovation to a greater height in the near future for solving the issues of
greenhouse gas emission,” said Prof Chong.
Prof Chong expressed his heartfelt gratitude to
UTAR’s leadership and collaborators for their unwavering support. He
acknowledged UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President
for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman and Institute
of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi for
their encouragement and contributions to research projects, including the
UTAR Research Fund (UTARRF) and external grant collaborations with Ecosys
Group Sdn Bhd. Additionally, he extended his thanks to Lee Kong Chian
Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She and Head of
Department Assoc Prof Ir Dr Chang Yoong Choon for their steadfast support.
Prof Chong’s innovation aligns with the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 7:
Affordable and Clean Energy, by offering a cost-effective and efficient
solar energy solution accessible to various stakeholders, from homeowners to
utility companies; Goal 13: Climate Action, through the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions and support for global decarbonisation efforts; and
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by fostering local
industries and creating high-skill job opportunities in green technologies.
The fellowship provides Prof Chong with comprehensive
training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to accelerate the
commercialisation of his innovation. All expenses for UK-based residential
training and local events are fully sponsored, enabling participants to
focus on honing their entrepreneurial skills and building global
connections.
“This
international recognition affirms the potential of our research to make a
difference in combating greenhouse gas emissions. We are excited to scale
this innovation and contribute to global sustainability,” said Prof Chong.
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