USM–Huaqiao Collaboration Advances with Inauguration of Joint Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering
Following the earlier visit led by Professor Huang Hui, Vice President of Huaqiao University, this latest engagement reflects the deepening partnership between the two institutions in the areas of low-carbon technologies and biomass research.
The delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Tan Kok Bing, Associate Researcher at Huaqiao University, and accompanied by senior representatives from Fujian Province, China: Mr. Huang Shu, Deputy Director of the Fujian Provincial Department of Science and Technology; Mr. Li Haiming, Director and Level One Inspector of the External Cooperation Division of the Fujian Provincial Department of Science and Technology; Mr. Lin Yongqun, Director of the Fujian Provincial Science and Technology Exchange Centre with Foreign Countries; and Mr. Song Libin, Executive President of Fuzhou Kangwei Network Technology Co., Ltd.
The meeting commenced with a welcoming address by the Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, followed by a comprehensive overview of the School and Universiti Sains Malaysia by Professor Dr. Ahmad Zuhairi Abdullah, who has played a central role in initiating and advancing the collaboration between USM and HQU.
Subsequently, Mr. Huang Shu presented an overview of the Fujian Provincial Department of Science and Technology, outlining the province’s strategic direction in international scientific and technological cooperation. This was followed by a presentation from Associate Professor Dr. Tan Kok Bing, who introduced the collaborative research initiative titled “Key Technology Development for the Targeted Conversion of Low-Value Agroforestry Biomass from China and Malaysia into Advanced Energy Catalytic Materials.”
The project was originally initiated by Professor Ahmad Zuhairi during his academic visit to Huaqiao University in 2025, and now forms a cornerstone of the bilateral research agenda.
A key highlight of the visit was a signing ceremony that officially marked the inauguration of the Joint Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering between the School of Chemical Engineering, USM and Huaqiao University, symbolising the formal institutionalisation of the collaboration. The visit was primarily aimed at promoting the implementation of international scientific and technological cooperation projects between Fujian Province and Universiti Sains Malaysia, strengthening collaboration in the development of scientific and technological innovation platforms, facilitating technology transfer and commercialisation of research outcomes and enhancing talent development, researcher mobility, and joint scientific research programmes.
Following the formal meeting, the delegation visited several chemical engineering laboratories at the School to gain insights into USM’s research infrastructure and capabilities. The visit concluded with a formal lunch, marking the successful completion of the engagement session.
A Growing Strategic Partnership
This visit represents a continuation and consolidation of the partnership first formalised during the October 2025 engagement session, transforming dialogue into structured collaboration through joint research platforms, institutional frameworks, and international innovation initiatives.
With the establishment of the Joint Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering, USM and Huaqiao University are now strategically positioned to become regional leaders in biomass valorisation, sustainable energy materials, and low-carbon technology development, while strengthening cross-border research, talent mobility, and innovation-driven development.
The collaboration reflects USM’s long-term vision of building globally connected research ecosystems that translate academic excellence into societal, industrial, and environmental impact.
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Text by : ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. MOHAMAD HEKARL UZIR
Photo by : MOHD RASYDAN OMAR