JOHOR BAHRU, Apr 22 – Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), had the honor of hosting two distinguished researchers from Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), France – Prof. Dr. Philippe Michaud and Associate Prof. Dr. Gwendoline Christophe – for a five-day collaborative research visit under the MyTIGER research grant programme. This France-Malaysia initiative aims to foster structured and impactful research cooperation between institutions of two countries. As part of this initiative, a project from UTM titled “Optimization Studies of Enzymatic Saccharification-Fermentation of Ozone-treated Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Enhanced Biomethane, Biohydrogen, and Bioethanol Production” was awarded RM102,600 in research funding. The project, led by Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin, with team members Associate Professor Dr. Umi Aisah Asli and Dr. Asmadi Mohammed Yusoff, focuses on advancing bioenergy production from oil palm biomass – a key area of mutual interest for both UTM and UCA under the sustainable bioresource valorisation theme.
The visit commenced on 22 April 2025 with a meeting with FKT’s top management, where discussions focused on potential future collaborations between UTM and UCA. In the afternoon, the delegation engaged with the Chemical Reaction Engineering Group (CREG) in the CREG student colloquium, where both visiting professors provided valuable feedback on students’ ongoing research projects. They also shared insights on international research practices, collaboration opportunities, and scientific approaches in the field of biomass and bioresources.
On the second day, the professors engaged in a progress discussion on the MyTIGER research collaboration, aimed at refining strategies for future project milestones and joint publications. They also visited key UTM research facilities, including the CREG laboratory, the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), and the microalgae laboratory at the Faculty of Science. These site visits enabled dynamic exchanges of ideas and collaborative exploration of ongoing projects.
The highlight of the visit took place on 24 April during the FKT Research Seminar held at the Bilik Mesyuarat Utama, N01a. Prof. Dr. Philippe Michaud delivered a captivating lecture titled “Exopolysaccharides from Microalgae: What’s New?”, showcasing cutting-edge developments in the extraction and application of biopolymers derived from algal sources. This was followed by a talk by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gwendoline Christophe on “Biomass Utilization for Bioenergy Production”, focusing on innovative technologies that improve the energy recovery process from lignocellulosic biomass. Later that day, the focus shifted to undergraduate education, with a seminar on “How to Conduct Research for Undergraduate Students,” delivered by both UCA professors. This session aimed to equip our Chemical Engineering students with practical tips on effectively planning and executing research, as part of an essential component of the MyTIGER program’s objective to nurtue young researchers.
On 25 April 2025, the final day of the visit, Prof. Dr. Philippe Michaud and Associate Prof. Dr. Gwendoline Christophe explored Tanjung Piai National Park, the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, as well as visited oil palm and pineapple plantations in Pontian, Johor, with the entire team. These visits provided meaningful exposure to Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and agro-industrial environment, connecting local landscapes with the broader themes of environmental sustainability and bioresource innovation at the heart of the MyTIGER collaboration.
This successful visit strengthened the ongoing partnership between UTM and UCA and enriched the faculty’s research culture. UTM remains committed to advancing global research collaborations that catalyse innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence.
By: Sharifah Nurain Hussin and Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin