SERDANG, 8 November 2014 – Prof. Dr. Wan Azlina Ahmad and her research team from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has been awarded the Gold Medal at the Malaysian Agricultural and Innovation Challenge (MAGIC) 2014 held at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
The Gold Medal was awarded through Prof. Azlina’s project entitled ‘Environmental Friendly Bacterial Pigments – Large Scale Production Using Agricultural Wastes and Its Application in Biodegradable Plastic and Food Packaging’ which competed  under the University Participation Category.
The project investigated the extraction of cauterized bacteria in agricultural waste that produced original dye to be used as an application by the textile industry, as well as biodegradable food packaging, food coloring, soap and candle production industries
Besides receiving the Gold Medal, this Ministry of Agricultural funded project was also awarded the ‘All Cosmos Green Technology Award’ which came with an RM1000.00 cash prize.
MAGIC 2014 is an exhibition and competition of innovation in agriculture and agro-based industry with the aim to promote a culture of innovation, provide opportunities and exposure as well as uncover new technologies and innovations amongst scientists, academicians, students and individuals.