BANGI, Nov 13 –Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) proudly congratulates Prof. Dr. Rosli Md. Illias, Professor of Molecular Enzymology from the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), on being selected as the distinguished recipient of the Malaysian Society for Microbiology (MSM) Award in Microbiology 2025. This prestigious honour is presented annually to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional, sustained, and influential contributions to the advancement of microbiology in Malaysia. The official announcement was made during the International Congress of the Malaysian Society for Microbiology (ICMSM 2025), held from 12 to 13 November 2025 at Bangi Resort Hotel, Selangor.
The MSM Award in Microbiology is widely regarded as one of the most respected recognitions in the field, celebrating excellence in research, innovation, leadership, and service to the scientific community. The selection of Prof. Rosli reflects his long-standing commitment to elevating Malaysia’s microbiology landscape through cutting-edge research, impactful applications, and visionary academic leadership.
Currently serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at UTM, Prof. Rosli has established an international reputation for his pioneering contributions in enzyme engineering, microbial biocatalysis, metabolic engineering, and biomass conversion technologies. His work has shaped new frontiers in bioprocessing and biotechnology, influencing both scientific discovery and industrial advancement.
Prof. Rosli’s research focuses on the design, modification, and optimization of enzymes for enhanced performance in industrial and environmental applications. He has significantly advanced the development of robust enzymatic systems capable of converting lignocellulosic biomass into high-value bioproducts. These include biofuels, functional sugars, and biodegradable materials applications that support green manufacturing and promote Malaysia’s transition toward a sustainable bioeconomy.
His influential research in enzyme immobilization and protein engineering, particularly involving cellulase, xylanase, and lipase, has improved enzyme stability, catalytic efficiency, and operational reusability. These innovations address long-standing industrial challenges related to cost, scalability, and environmental impact. Beyond this, his work in microbial biocatalysts for pollutant degradation has contributed to improved wastewater treatment technologies, offering practical solutions for environmental remediation.
Prof. Rosli has also made significant strides in metabolic and bioprocess engineering, developing microbial pathways for the biosynthesis of commercially important compounds such as xylitol, bioethanol, and maltooligosaccharides. These outputs have applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, further demonstrating the broad societal relevance of his research.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Prof. Rosli is celebrated for his strong leadership in fostering academia–industry partnerships, multidisciplinary collaborations, and research capacity-building initiatives within Malaysia and the region. Under his leadership as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), UTM has strengthened its global research profile, expanded strategic partnerships, and enhanced the national ecosystem for high-impact innovation.
Prof. Rosli’s contributions epitomize excellence, integrity, and innovation in science. His work continues to support cleaner industrial practices, renewable resource utilization, and technological progress that aligns with Malaysia’s sustainable development goals.
UTM proudly celebrates this significant recognition and extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Dr. Rosli Md. Illias for his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to advancing microbiology and biotechnology in Malaysia.
