Biochemistry student strengthens academic portfolio with
Best Oral Presenter awards

The years continue to blossom for Sharon Lim Chia Yen, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biochemistry student, as she won the Best Oral Presenter at the Global Congress on Sustainable Growth and Development 2024 (GCSGD 2024) and UTAR Intervarsity Science Symposium 2025 (UISS 2025).

She enthused, “I am very honoured to receive the awards at both events. This recognition is a big motivation for me to keep doing my best in research. I am also thankful to UTAR for giving me a platform to hone my critical thinking, analytical thinking, and communication skills. This is truly a reflection of the research skills, discipline, and guidance I have gained. I also thank my supervisor for the support and encouragement that have helped me through the entire research.”

Her award-winning research at the GCSGD 2024 was titled Green Synthesis of Cr₂O₃ Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Approach to Dye Degradation. She explained, “I was inspired to pursue this project because of the urgent need to address water pollution caused by synthetic dyes, which pose serious threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Traditional treatment methods are often costly and inefficient, so I wanted to explore a more sustainable approach. By focusing on the green synthesis of chromium oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts, my goal was to develop an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method that not only reduces waste but also contributes to cleaner water and a healthier environment.”

The research also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation as it addresses wastewater treatment by developing eco-friendly photocatalysts to degrade toxic dyes, thus contributing to cleaner and safer water resources. It also reflects SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By utilising plant extracts as reducing agents for nanoparticle synthesis, the project promotes the use of sustainable materials and helps reduce agricultural and food waste. Additionally, it highlights SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land, as effective dye degradation minimises the discharge of harmful pollutants into aquatic environments, protecting marine life from toxic effects, while cleaner water and reduced chemical pollution benefit terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

Meanwhile, her award-winning research at UISS 2025 was titled Comparative Stability and Oxidative Potential of Cr₂O₃ Nanoparticles, Microcellulose Microcomposites, and Nanocellulose Nanocomposites. She explained, “This study provides insights into how nanoparticle-matrix interactions influence stability and oxidative potential. This knowledge is valuable for designing safer and more effective nanomaterials in biomedical and environmental contexts. Understanding nanoparticle stability and ROS generation is critical for developing nanomaterials that are safe for both environmental and biomedical use. This research contributes to future innovations in drug delivery, cancer therapy, and wastewater treatment technologies.”

The research aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. She added, “Insights into oxidative activity may contribute to future biomedical nanomaterials for disease treatment. The research also supports nanotechnology research for innovative and sustainable applications. It will encourage the safer use of nanomaterials through a better understanding of their stability and reactivity.”

The remarkable achievement by Sharon Lim reflects the vibrant and supportive environment that UTAR fosters. It is a testament to the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its efforts in empowering students to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society. 

GCSGD 2024 was organised in December 2024 by Einstein Research Academy (ERA), with the theme Fostering Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration for Sustainable Development Goals. It aimed to: (1) provide a platform for researchers, students, academicians, and industry experts to present and share their research findings, (2) foster multi-disciplinary collaboration across biosciences, engineering, digital innovation, and management fields, (3) promote innovative solutions that address global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), (4) encourage networking, knowledge exchange, and partnerships among international participants, and (5) facilitate publication opportunities for high-quality papers in peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals.

UISS 2025 was organised by UTAR in August 2025 with the theme The Science Nexus: Exploring Fundamentals, Pioneering Innovation for a Resilient Future. It aimed to: (1) provide a platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students to exhibit their research findings, (2) encourage the exchange of scientific ideas among students, (3) promote interaction, collaboration, and networking among young researchers, and (4) provide students with valuable scientific and social experiences by sharing their work with peers and the wider academic community.