UTAR awarded Research Project of the Year: STEM at Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025

The award was conferred in recognition of the groundbreaking project titled Revolutionary 3D Multi-Material Printing System, led by Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) academic Assoc Prof Ir Dr Tey Jing Yuen and his dedicated research team. Their innovation redefines the landscape of additive manufacturing by offering a safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly 3D printing solution that significantly lowers the barriers to entry for industries and researchers alike.

Driven by a vision to democratise additive manufacturing, Dr Tey explained, “Conventional metal 3D printing relies on costly laser systems and expensive auxiliary support systems, which limit accessibility for smaller industries and researchers. We wanted to create a safer, eco-friendly alternative that lowers financial barriers. This project embodies our commitment to empowering local innovation through sustainable engineering solutions.” Demonstrating the versatility of the system, the team successfully produced 3D-printed articles using a variety of materials, including ceramic, stainless steel, copper, silicone, and other metal alloys—highlighting the technology’s wide-ranging industrial applications.

The team comprising Founder and Managing Director of Solid Lab Sdn Bhd Dr Bryan Cheong Chee Yuen; LKC FES academics Assoc Prof Ts Dr Yeo Wei Hong and Assoc Prof ChM Ts Dr Tee Shiau Foon; and postgraduate students Ang Xiang, Sean Fong Wei Zen, Lim Jeng Jit, Tan Xuan Qing, and Leong Jia Wei, developed an innovative technique that premixes metal powder with a liquid binder to form a slurry. This slurry can be safely handled in open environments and printed directly. The printed object is then dried via natural evaporation and solidified through heat treatment, thereby eliminating the need for hazardous powder handling, high-powered lasers, or extensive post-processing.

The method not only enhances safety and reduces environmental impact, but also cuts production costs by more than half compared to conventional laser-based 3D printing systems.

Dr Tey noted, “The key challenge lay in re-engineering the entire printing process. Developing a stable slurry from metal powder and binder, ensuring precise natural drying, and optimising heat treatment for structural integrity required countless iterations. Moving away from high-powered lasers meant rethinking every step to maintain performance while prioritising safety and affordability.”

Supported by government and industry partners, the project has secured multiple accolades and international patent filings. Its impact is now being further realised through the establishment of Solid Lab Sdn Bhd, a UTAR spin-off company founded by the research team. Solid Lab specialises in the commercialisation of slurry-based 3D printing technology, offering safer and more accessible solutions across diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Dr Tey emphasised, “Founding Solid Lab bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world application. Our mission is to make advanced manufacturing a reality for everyone, unlocking new possibilities for industries and inspiring a new era of homegrown technological excellence.”

With strategic partnerships in place and plans to expand across Southeast Asia, Solid Lab aims to position Malaysia as a regional leader in accessible and sustainable advanced manufacturing.

The judging panel commended the project for its strong engineering foundation and far-reaching impact, stating that it opened the door to the technological potential of 3D-printing systems while ensuring cost efficiency, reducing environmental impact and facilitating technology transfer to the local industry. The panel also praised the team’s commitment to creating a new breed of additive manufacturing and democratising it.

Reflecting on the award, Dr Tey said, “Personally, it validates years of collaborative effort and reinforces the power of perseverance. For UTAR, this award highlights our role as a hub for high-impact research. It’s a testament to our university’s ethos: blending academic rigour with real-world applications to drive progress. This recognition motivates us to push boundaries further and inspire the next generation of innovators.”

This win not only cements UTAR’s reputation for innovation, but also marks a significant step in the university’s ongoing contributions to impactful research and sustainable technological advancement in the region.