The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) won numerous awards at the recentInvention, Innovation & Design Exposition (iidex 015), an annual International Exhibition and Competition organised by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
Researchers from the Centre of Food and Bio-product Processing, Manufacturing and Industrial Processes Research Division, Faculty of Engineering at UNMC were recognised for the various work they do. This includes:
Infrared Assisted Drying System Coupled with UV Disinfection System (Silver Medal)
Developed to improve moisture removal to hinder the microbial growth on dried products, the system was developed for the edible bird's nest industry. This project is helmed by Ir Prof Law Chung Lim with PhD students Gan Shu Hui, Ng Mei Xiang and Tham Thing Chai.
Aqueous Two-Phase Flotation (ATPF): A New Protein Recovery System (Silver Medal)
Able to increase recovery yield as compared to conventional system while being cost-effective as the chemicals used for extraction can be recycled, this new system extracts protein through the combination of bubbling and aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE). The project is the brainchild of Dr Show Pau Loke.
UV-Assisted Storage Cabinet with Storage Environment Control (Bronze Medal)
To effectively sterilise stored food materials and delay microbial growth to allow perishables to stay fresher, longer, this storage is installed with germicidal ultra-violet light system . In addition, the climate-controlled feature creates the ideal storage environment will regulated temperature and humidity. This project is by Ir Prof Law Chung Lim with PhD students Gan Shu Hui, Ng Mei Xiang and Tham Thing Chai.
Transforming Underutilised Malaysian Fruits Into Value Added Nutritious Products Using Novel Techniques (Silver Medal)
Selected underutilised harvests such as starfruit, salak and kedondong are processed into value-added dried products using osmotic dehydration and heat pump drying techniques. The end products contain higher antioxidant retention, as well as better colour and texture. The project is carried out by Assoc Prof Dr Hii Ching Lik and PhD student, Abhay S. Menon.
Air Frying – A Novel Way to Produce Local Fruit Snacks (Bronze Medal)
Utilising hot air for frying, this technique reduces oil consumption, increases higher nutrient retention and better flavour, where local crop such as jackfruit is transformed into healthier, premium snacks. The project is by Dr Ong Sze Pheng.
“This is the first time we participated in this event and we have won medals in all the submitted entries under innovation and invention categories. This remarkable level of success is consistent with our research excellence status at UNMC” said Dr Hii.
More than 500 entries were registered in this competition from various universities, research institutions and government agencies.
Article Image caption: Group photo of the researchers with their medals (from left): Ng Mei Xiang, Gan Shu Hui, Dr Ong Sze Pheng, Dr Hii Ching Lik, Abhay Menon, Dr Show Pau Loke and Tham Thing Chai.
Photo caption: Ir Prof Law Chung Lim (left) presenting his invention to the judge
UNMC's 15th Anniversary
One of the world's truly global universities, with campuses in Malaysia, the UK and China, 2015 marks the 15th year since setting up as UK's first full-fledged international campus in Malaysia and all three campuses continue to enrich the lives of students across the world through global education, ground-breaking research and community engagement.
-Ends-
More information is available from Dr Hii Ching Lik on Ching-Lik.Hii@nottingham.edu.my +6 (03) 8924 8714 or Josephine Dionisappu, PR & Communications Manager at UNMC, on +60(3) 8924 8746, josephine.dionisappu@nottingham.edu.my.
Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham has 43,000 students and is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly global university, with campuses in China and Malaysia modelled on a headquarters that is among the most attractive in Britain’ (Times Good University Guide 2014). It is also one of the most popular universities in the UK among graduate employers and the winner of‘Research Project of the Year’ at the THE Awards 2014. It is ranked in the world’s top one per cent of universities by the QS World University Rankings, and 8th in the UK by research power according to REF 2014.
The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) is holding events throughout 2015 to celebrate 15 years as a pioneer of transnational education. Based in Semenyih, UNMC was established as the UK's first overseas campus in Malaysia and one of the first world-wide.
Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest-ever fundraising campaign, is delivering the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future.
Posted on 29th June 2015