JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 – The 11th International Biotechnology Competition and Exhibition 2025 (IBCEx’25) was held today with great success at the Dewan Banquet, Sultan Ibrahim Chancellery Building (BCSI), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru, Johor. The Bioprocess Engineering Student Society (BIOSS) organized this prestigious annual event under the Department of Bioprocess and Polymer Engineering from the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT) with strong support from numerous industry collaborators. The event’s transformative topic, “Biotechnology and the Circular Economy: Waste to Wealth, brought together bright young minds.
IBCEx’25 featured three main activities, Innovative Project Competition, Poster Competition and Forum on Bioconversion of Waste to Renewable Energy.
The IBCEx’25 was led by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Rosnani Hasham as the main advisor, with Grace Mitchelle Anak Dien serving as the program director. The Innovative Project Competition brought over 64 participants across 26 teams, representing undergraduate and postgraduate students from both local and international universities. Meanwhile, the Poster Competition saw participation from 20 students across 8 institutions, showcasing creative research and academic excellence. The event provided an opportunity to present cutting-edge biotechnology concepts that attempt to address one of the most important sustainability issues of our day by turning trash into useful resources.
The highlight of the academic discourse was the Forum on Bioconversion of Waste to Renewable Energy, moderated by Prof. Dr. Lee Chiew Tin, with panelists Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umi Aisah Asli and Lt. Dr. Fadziana Mansor. They shared valuable insights and innovations on transforming waste into renewable energy, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The event culminated in a vibrant Award Ceremony, officiated by the Dean of the FKT, Prof. Ir. Dr. Rahmat Mohsin, who remarked,
“This year’s IBCEx demonstrates the power of youth-driven innovation in transforming waste challenges into economic opportunities. We hope this platform continues to inspire responsible scientific entrepreneurship and global partnerships.”
Among the notable winners, the Gold Award (Postgraduate Category) was won by Cheng Wei Hao, Tan Rou Wen, and Winnie Wong Xong Yong Xin from Universiti Teknologi Petronas, with their innovative project titled “Assessment of Jackfruit Rinds for Sustainable 3D-Printing Filaments.” Meanwhile, the Gold Award (Undergraduate Category) went to Malvin and Ng Xiao Qi from Xiamen University Malaysia, for their project “FrassForward: Biofertilizer Tablets from AI-Enhanced Insect Frass-Biochar-Biofertilizer Composting.”
In the Poster Competition, Phidias Voon Yik Ying from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) clinched 1st Place, showcasing outstanding visual presentation and scientific communication skills.
In addition to showcasing their superior scientific abilities, IBCEx’25 participants exemplified responsible innovation. Their innovative concepts and environmentally friendly research significantly advance a more inclusive and greener future. These youth-led projects are fostering a new generation of scientists, inventors, and thought leaders who are actively shaping a brighter future by using biotechnology to address pressing environmental issues.
Authors: Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Rosnani Hasham @ Hisam