By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 5: In a remarkable recognition of innovation and impact, Associate Professor Ir Dr Tan Inn Shi, Deputy Dean of Research and Development at Curtin University Malaysia, has been awarded the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Young Engineer Award 2025 for her pioneering work in sustainable engineering.
Presented by IEM president Ir Professor Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin during the Institution’s 66th Annual General Meeting at the Malakoff Auditorium, Wisma IEM in Petaling Jaya recently, the prestigious award is among the highest honours for early-career engineers in Malaysia.
A trained chemical engineer, Tan is celebrated for her groundbreaking research in renewable energy technologies, particularly in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biodegradable plastics derived from agricultural waste, according to a media release today.
Her work addresses two of Malaysia’s most critical environmental challenges: aviation emissions and plastic pollution.
Through Curtin Malaysia’s renewable energy research division, Tan is leading efforts to produce low-emission SAF from algae and palm biomass—an innovation with the potential to reshape the future of air travel and bolster Malaysia’s commitment to carbon neutrality.
Concurrently, she is advancing the development of biodegradable plastics using macroalgae biomass waste, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics and a promising solution to the country’s escalating plastic waste crisis.
“This award is more than a personal milestone; it is a win for sustainable engineering. Our research bridges academia and industry to tackle real-world challenges—from decarbonising aviation to reducing reliance on petrochemical plastics,” Tan said in her acceptance speech.
Curtin Malaysia’s Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, president and chief executive, Professor Vincent Lee, praised Tan’s achievement, stating: “Tan exemplifies the kind of impact-driven, solutions-oriented research we champion at Curtin Malaysia. Her recognition by IEM is a proud moment for the university and reflects Sarawak’s rising leadership in green technology.”
The IEM Young Engineer Award honours outstanding engineers under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in technical innovation, professional achievement, and contributions to society.
Tan’s national recognition cements her status as one of Malaysia’s most promising engineering minds and underscores the vital role of research institutions like Curtin Malaysia in advancing the nation’s sustainability goals.
With this achievement, Tan hopes to inspire more young engineers—especially women—to pursue careers in sustainability science and innovation. — DayakDaily
