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USM Shines Bright at NACES 2023: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions in Lab-Grown Food Production

Kuala Lumpur, December, 2023 - The recently concluded National Chemical Engineering Symposium (NACES) 2023, hosted at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, from December 16 to 17, brought together minds from across Malaysia to explore groundbreaking ideas in the field of chemical engineering. Organized by the Chemical Engineering Student Society in collaboration with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) of Malaysia, this annual international event showcased the latest advancements and solutions in chemical engineering.

This year's symposium delved into the crucial theme of "Mainstreaming Lab-grown Food: Chemical Engineers to the Rescue!"

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A standout among the participants was the School of Chemical Engineering at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), whose representatives demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication.

In the Technical Case Study & Presentation category, the winning team from USM, consisting of Rachel Cheah Xin Ying, Gavin Goh Wei Lim, and Britney Ng Wei Qing, secured 1st place with their groundbreaking proposal. They introduced a novel concept of utilizing jackfruit waste as a scaffold for lab-grown meat, presenting an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to meat production.

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Additionally, the team of Goh Hui Ying, Ng Kwok Keong, and Ang Song You from USM claimed the 2nd runner-up position with their innovative proposal for the synthesis of lab-grown seafood. Their approach involved using agricultural sources as growth factors, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the production of lab-grown food.

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In the Technical Infographics Competition, Thiranai Thongchan from USM won 1ST RUNNER-UP with an engaging infographic titled "Cultivating a Greener Future with Anabaena sp. PCC 7170, One Bite at a Time." Thongchan's visually compelling representation highlighted the potential of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 in shaping a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

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The success of these individuals and teams from the School of Chemical Engineering at USM not only reflects their academic prowess but also emphasizes their commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in the realm of lab-grown food production.

As the NACES 2023 concluded, participants and industry professionals expressed optimism about the transformative impact of these innovative solutions on the future of food production. The symposium not only celebrated achievements but also fostered collaboration and dialogue among the next generation of chemical engineers, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.



Text By : DR. Fadil Goonawan
Photo By : Rasydan Omar