Putrajaya, 05 July, 2012 - Assoc Prof Dr Hon Wei Min did UCSI University proud when she secured a grant worth RM212, 500 at the recent Higher Education Ministry Research Grant Disbursement Ceremony.

Dr Hon, the dean of the University's Faculty of Applied Sciences, obtained the allocation via the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) that seeks to encourage the generation of theories, concepts and ideas that expand the boundaries of knowledge.

Conducted in collaboration with an academic from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Dr Hon's research recognises the potential of hydrogen as an alternative for fossil fuel.

Essentially, her work involves genetic modification to enhance the biohydrogen producing ability of a local bacteria isolate. Microorganisms are commonly used by researchers to produce hydrogen from various substrate like waste.

"Such research is not new but many researchers have been unable to translate lab-based outcomes into commercially viable efforts that are efficient and economical," she said after the ceremony at the ministry's auditorium.

"Through genetic modification, our project aims to answer the most fundamental questions related to biohydrogen production."

Taking stock of her feat, Dr Hon opined that the "unexpected" grant would serve as an encouragement for other academics in the University to pursue research.

"Today's grant shows that UCSI University researchers can achieve," she said. "I am glad that the University has given me – and its academic staff – a certain level of freedom and support to conduct research.

"I hope more UCSI academics will take on research as it is an area that prevents us from stagnation. We have to benchmark to international standards and this makes research a must for us (academics)."

Dr Hon added that collaboration was pivotal as shared expertise and resources would go far in the advancement of science.

The ceremony was graced by Higher Education Minister Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin who said that the participation from private universities was "encouraging" as the number of applications had risen over the years.

Explaining the selection process, Mohamed Khaled said that researchers from public and private universities would submit their projects and bid for the grants.

"The bidding methodology allows us to evaluate – and compare – various factors in research projects, such as the project's duration, scope, feasibility and outcomes that will determine the allocation," he said in the post-event press conference.

"Academics from public and private universities are evaluated using the same criteria."

Traditionally, academics from public universities have taken the lion's share of FRGS grants. However, private universities have been better represented in recent years at disbursement ceremonies.

Apart from the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, academics may also apply for the Exploratory Grant Scheme, the Long Term Research Grant Scheme and the Prototype Development Research Grant Scheme.

More information on the grants can be obtained by visiting http://jpt.mohe.gov.my/eng/menupenyelidik.php?page=PENYELIDIK/penyelidik.php

Assoc Prof Dr Alan Keoy, the director of UCSI University's Centre of Excellence for Research, Value Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Cervie), and Dr Ammar A. M. Ali Al-Talib, the head of postgraduate studies of UCSI University's Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment were also present at the ceremony that was themed "Working for Malaysia".