Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES) C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA Phone : +603-7967 4640/6995 Fax : +603-7967 6994 9TH ISSUE | JAN-JUNE 2023 IOES BULLETIN Email : [email protected]
New IOES Management New Staff Appointed Visit by UniSZA Universiti Malaya Research Carnival Training Course for DNA extraction, PCR and Phylogenetic Analysis IOES Laboratory Safety Induction Course Visit by Institute of Biodiversity & Environmental Conservation (IBEC), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Visit by Glami Lemi Biotechnology Research Centre JIRCAS-IOES Blue Carbon Initiative Project Seminar One Health and The Sea: Dynamics of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Water Environment IOES Scientific Seminar Series: Comparative biomechanics of barnacle larvae IOES Strategic Planning Workshop Visit by Jiangsu Ocean University, China Workshop on China-ASEAN Belt and Road Joint Laboratory of Mariculture Technology Consultation Workshop to Consolidate the Taxonomy Framework of Eucheumatoid Seaweeds & Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Algae Guest Lecture - The ITS2 Database: Sequence-structure phylogentics and distinguishing species Public Talk on Citizen Science - The Power of Citizen Science: Developing a Programme for Seaweed Aquaculture and Conservation IOES Webinar 2023 - Blue Carbon Restoration Opportunities and Barriers Visit by Third Institute of Oceanography, China and Nanjing Institute, China Safety Briefing & Audit Occupational Safety & Health, Risk and Environment Centre (OSHREC) Audit Occupational Safety & Health, Risk and Environment Centre (OSHREC) Visit to BMRS by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, UM Holdings Sdn Bhd & JPPHB Project PULIH Latest Publications Media Coverages Congratulatory Notes T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 2 1 4 3 6 5 7 8 9 1 0 1 9 1 8 1 7 1 6 1 5 1 4 1 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6
PROF. DR. LIM PHAIK EEM Executive Director C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya Phone : +603-7967 4640 | Email : [email protected] NEW IOES MANAGEMENT ASSOC. PROF. DR. SITI AISYAH ALIAS Deputy Executive Director EMERITUS PROF. DR. PHANG SIEW MOI Honorary Advisor PROF. DR. HANAFI HUSSIN Maritime Community, Law, Policy and Governance Research Unit Head ASSOC. PROF. DR. BONG CHUI WEI Marine Biodiversity and Coastal Studies Research Unit Head DR. CHEAH WEE Air-Ocean-Land Interaction Studies & Climate Change Research Unit Head DR. KISHNETH PALANIVELOO Marine Biotechnology Research Unit Head IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 1
WELCOME TO IOES DR MONALIZA MOHD DIN Expertise: Aquatic ecology (Eutrophication, AnoxiaHypoxia), Biological Oceanography (Harmful Algal Blooms) P O S T D O C T O R A L R E S E A R C H F E L L O W Report on duty: 12 Feb 2023 DR KARL JOHAN JOHARI CHAN P O S T D O C T O R A L R E S E A R C H F E L L O W Expertise: Monsoon, Climatology, Meteorology (Tropical meteorology) Report on duty: 15 June 2023 IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 2
A study visit was conducted by 15 Aquatic Science students from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) and was accompanied by Associate Prof Dr Nadzifah, UniSZA lecturer and Mr. Haziq, UniSZA Science officer. Visit 5 JAN 2023 BY UNIVERSITI SULTAN ZAINAL ABIDIN BACHOK MARINE RESEARCH STATION To give exposure to students about the oceanographic science research To observe the facilities available at BMRS Objective During the study tour, all the undergraduate students from UniZSA were given opportunities to experience the scientific oceanography sampling instruments such as plankton net, van-dorn water sampler, core sampler, Ekman grab, YSI multi-parameter and SCUBA equipment. They also had the chance to understand more about scientific laboratory instruments such as Thermal cycler, flow-cytometer, microscope, CHN Elementar Analyzer, Real-Time PCR System, TOC-TN analyzer, CO Analyzer and Optical Particle Counter and Ozone(O3) Analyzer . +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 3
Universiti Malaya RESEARCH CARNIVAL 8-10 JAN 2023 RESEARCH MANAGEMENT & INNOVATION COMPLEX IOES was invited to be involved as an exhibitor in conjunction with the Universiti Malaya Research Carnival which was held on 8 to 10 January 2023 at the Research and Innovation Complex, Universiti Malaya. This carnival was officiated by YB. Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education on 9 January 2023. Among the materials exhibited by IOES are jellyfish, dugong bones, fish specimens, bioplastics, products made from seaweed and posters showing activities and results HICoE research and each research unit at IOES and also HICoE posters explaining the direction of HICoE IOES research as well as recent IOES research achievements. +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 4
Train undergraduate interns on the extraction of DNA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and phylogenetic analysis Objective Training Course 9-20 JAN 2023 INSTITUTE OF OCEAN AND EARTH SCIENCES (IOES) As part of an ongoing collaboration with partner from University of Mataram (UNRAM), a training course was conducted for capacity building on DNA extraction, PCR and phylogenetic analysis of eucheumatoid seaweeds. Three researchers from UNRAM i.e. Dr Eka Prasedya, Dr Anggit Listyacahyani and Ms Tri Khairina paid a visit to IOES and brought along three undergraduate interns Bella Aprillia, Nirwana and Fitriani to be trained in IOES for two weeks. During this training course, the interns picked up the necessary skills for DNA barcoding work, tips on optimization of PCR amplifications, and how to carry out phylogenetic and genetic diversity analyses. The training course also generated bench fees for IOES. FOR DNA EXTRACTION, PCR AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 5
ANGGERIK ROOM, ADVANCED STUDIES COMPLEX The 'IOES Laboratory Safety Induction Course ' was held on 7 February 2023 at 10 am, located in the Anggerik Room, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya with 45 participants. Participants in this course consisted of academic staff, senior research fellows, postdoctoral research fellows, research officers, research assistants, master students, PhD Students and industrial training students. The purpose of this course was to give exposure to all staff, students and laboratory users about the training and information they need to know before they conduct experiments/research in the IOES Laboratories. This course was launched by Prof. Dr. Lim Phaik Eem, Executive Director of IOES and chaired by Dr. Kishneth Palaniveloo as IOES Laboratory Coordinator. IOES Laboratory Course Induction course briefing was given by Dr. Mohamed Rizman Idid, IOES Senior Lecturer with the title 'Workplace Risk' while the explanation about Laboratory Induction was presented by Puan Siti Fatimah Haslina Ismail, IOES Assistant Science Officer. For this course we invited Mrs. Haryani Azahari, OSHE Science Officer, UM to give a briefing on 'Scheduled Waste Management'-Do ' s & Don 't. This course outlines the laboratory safety training for all laboratory users, including staff and students. The laboratory safety induction course is provided by OSHE – IOES, which also includes specific laboratory training provided by each of the laboratories in IOES. The training will equip laboratory users with the requisite knowledge and skills to maintain a safe and healthy workplace Objectives IOES Laboratory 7 FEB 2023 SAFETY INDUCTION COURSE +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 6
AZALEA ROOM, ADVANCED STUDIES COMPLEX IOES received a visit from the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak on 17 Feb 2023 to discuss the process, challenges and strategies as a Higher Education Center of Excellence (HICoE). The research group consisted of four IBEC lecturers led by Professor Dr. Mohd Azlan Jayasilan bin Abdul Gulam Azad (Director of IBEC) and the discussion also involved IOES academics and researchers. Visit from 17 FEB 2023 INSTITUTE OF BIODIVERSITY & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (IBEC), UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 7
Visit of the Glami Lemi Biotechnology Research Center (PPBGL) to BMRS today for the purpose of inspecting the station ' s boat, and also visit the laboratory and facilities available at the station. This visit also provided an opportunity for both parties from BMRS and PPBGL to share experiences, challenges and strategies in administrative management at their respective stations/centres. BACHOK MARINE RESEARCH STATION Visit 20 FEB 2023 BY GLAMI LEMI BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTRE +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 8
One of the highlights for the Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), Universiti Malaya during March 2023 was the visit of Japanese researchers from JIRCAS, JAMSTEC, Hokkaido University, and MERI of Japan to IOES from 27 February to 24 March 2023 as part of an international research collaboration on Blue Carbon Initiative Project. A joint expedition of mangroves in Peninsular Malaysia includes a one-month-long survey of mangroves in the states of Kedah, Perak, Selangor, and Melaka. This international collaboration was funded under the joint JIRCAS-IOES project “Status of Restored Mangrove Forest Across Different Environmental Settings in Malaysia ” led by Dr. Mohammed Rizman Idid (IOES) and Dr. Rempei Suwa (JIRCAS) and team members are Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Aisah Hj Alias, Dr. Cheah Wee, and Dr. Kishneth Palaniveloo. The challenging yet interesting fieldwork of wading through waist-high muddy shores, the arduous task of measuring mangrove tree trunks, and sampling of soils and various mangrove leaves was also financially supported by the FRGS grant on mangrove research of Dr. Kishneth Palaniveloo (IOES). The expedition was made successful with the participation of 5 postgraduate students, who tremendously helped with the preparation and organization of the expedition. JIRCAS-IOES Blue Carbon Initiative Project 27 FEB - 24 MARCH 2023 Due to the encouraging interests and efforts in advancing mangrove research in Peninsular Malaysia, IOES is also proud to announce that an MoU between IOES and JIRCAS for a research collaboration on “Enhancement of production and environmental adaptability by evaluating characteristics of tropical forest genetic resources for sustainable tropical forest management” is currently in the process of being formalized. With a such collection of mangrove data and specimens, the research will contribute to Malaysia ’ s mangrove forest management by understanding the importance of their genetic resources and the impacts of environmental changes. +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 9
LECTURE HALL BT16, B02, INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, FACULTY OF SCIENCE Seminar 7 MARCH 2023 ONE HEALTH AND THE SEA: DYNAMICS OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE GENES IN WATER ENVIRONMENT The first series of IOES Scientific Seminars was delivered by Dr Satoru Suzuki, Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Japan on 7 March 2023, entitled “One Health and the Sea: Dynamics of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Water Environment” at the Lecture hall BT16, B02 of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Programme, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science. At the seminar, Professor Emeritus Satoru Suzuki explained the concept of the “One Health approach” and why antibiotic resistance is listed as one of the most serious issues of this concept. He shared the knowledge of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) dynamics in marine environments and highlighted the need to establish mitigation strategies for the ARGs risks from marine and aquatic environments to humans. He presented an example from his research findings on ARGs in the sea, including a sulfonamide resistance gene sul4 and horizontal transfer of plasmid pAQU1. Sul3 is less frequent and abundant than sul1 and sul2 in clinical bacteria. However, his finding revealed that sul3 is abundant in non-culturable bacterial assemblage in the sea. Additionally, he is the first researcher who detected the newest sul4 possessed in marine bacteria. These findings suggest that the seawater community is a reservoir of sul genes, and sul3 and sul4 might be originated in the sea. He has also shown us evidence that transferable multi-drug resistance and low copy number plasmid pAQU1 was released by protist grazing, and the plasmid was slowly decomposed in seawater. This finding suggests that the ARGs can persist in marine environments even after the grazing or lysis of resistant bacteria. This seminar was well attended by participants including undergraduate and postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, academic staff and IOES members. Many questions were asked by the participants showing their interest in this topic and a fruitful discussion ensued. +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 10
IOES Scientific Seminar Series Dr Wong Jin Yung from Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taiwan delivered a talk for IOES Scientific Seminar Series with title "Comparative biomechanics of barnacle larvae " on 8 May 2023. 8 MAY 2023 AZALEA ROOM, ADVANCED STUDIES COMPLEX COMPARATIVE BIOMECHANICS OF BARNACLE LARVAE +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 11
The IOES HICoE Strategic Planning Workshop was successfully held on 13 and 14 May 2023 at the Eastin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. This IOES strategic planning workshop provided a platform for IOES management and members to plan and discuss IOES strategy and research direction especially in the field of Air-Sea-Land Interaction and provide an opportunity to exchange information or scientific views between project leaders, IOES management and invited experts in Malaysia. IOES Strategic Planning Workshop 13-14 MAY 2023 EASTIN HOTEL, PETALING JAYA This workshop was part of the effort to plan the strategy and direction of IOES research in order to improve the quality of research at the national and international level. Shortterm (1-2 years), medium-term (5-6 years) and long-term (10 years and above) direction plans were also planned in line with the vision and mission of Universiti Malaya. +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 12
Visit IOES received a visit from researchers from Jiangsu Ocean University, China on 17 May 2023. They were taken to visit IOES Laboratories and were given information about the research carried out by IOES researchers and students. 17 MAY 2023 IOES OFFICE, ADVANCED STUDIES COMPLEX BY J IANGSU OCEAN UNIVERSITY, CHINA +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 13
Workshop on A total of 9 researchers from Sun Yat-sen University, China and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), China held a research collaboration discussion together with IOES on May 18, 2023. This visit was a collaboration to implement the China-ASEAN Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Mariculture Technology. 18 MAY 2023 ANGGERIK ROOM, ADVANCED STUDIES COMPLEX CHINA-ASEAN BELT AND ROAD JOINT LABORATORY OF MARICULTURE TECHNOLOGY +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 14
+603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] This workshop is one of the deliverables from the research grant funded by the Safe Seaweed Coalition through Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). The title of this research project is GATEWAY: a GlobAl Taxonomic framEWork for the cArrageenan industry and the project started in May 2022 and will end in December 2023. Consultation Workshop 22-25 MAY 2023 ANGGERIK ROOM, ADVANCED STUDIES COMPLEX TO CONSOL IDATE THE TAXONOMY FRAMEWORK OF EUCHEUMATOID SEAWEEDS & CODE OF NOMENCLATURE FOR CULTIVATED ALGAE This workshop involved leading scientists in the field of eukeumatoid seaweed taxonomy. Discussions to plan the publication of case studies in the standardization of nomenclature for cultivated seaweeds, and a draft of the main points were made. IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 15
Dr Matthias Wolf from the University of Würzburg, Germany delivered bioinformatics classes to postgraduate and intern students at BMRS. Dr Matthias Wolf has been a research collaborator with our institute ' s Associate Prof. Dr Lim Po Teen and Associate Prof. Dr Leaw Chui Pin since 2010. Currently, they are collaborating on two research projects related to population genetics and phylogenetic analysis. Guest Lecture 24 MAY 2023 THE ITS2 DATABASE: SEQUENCE-STRUCTURE PHYLOGENTICS AND DISTINGUISHING SPECIES BACHOK MARINE RESEARCH STATION +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 16
Public Talk on Citizen Science IOES organised a Public Talk on Citizen Science titled The Power of Citizen Science: Developing a Program for Seaweed Aquaculture and Conservation by Prof. Dr. Juliet Brodie from the Natural History Museum, United Kingdom. This talk took place on 26 May 2023 at the Auditorium, Complex of Advanced Studies as well as online (Zoom Meeting) and received a very encouraging response with the participation of more than 80 participants from various domestic and foreign institutions. 26 MAY 2023 AUDITORIUM, ADVANCED STUDIES COMPLEX THE POWER OF CITIZEN SCIENCE: DEVELOPING A PROGRAMME FOR SEAWEED AQUACULTURE AND CONSERVATION +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 17
IOES Webinar 2023 In conjunction with World Oceans Day which is celebrated on June 8 every year, IOES organised a webinar titled Blue Carbon Restoration Opportunities and Barriers by Prof. Peter Macreadie (Deakin University, Australia) moderated by Dr Cheah Wee (IOES Senior Lecturer). Prof. Ir. Dr. Shaliza Ibrahim (Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation) officiated this webinar and a total of more than 40 participants participated in this webinar which was held online (Microsoft Teams). 8 JUNE 2023 MICROSFT TEAMS BLUE CARBON RESTORATION OPPORTUNITIES AND BARRIERS +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 18
Visit A total of 9 researchers from the Third Institute of Oceanography, China and Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, China visited IOES on June 9, 2023 for a collaborative research discussion. This visit was a collaborative effort to carry out survey research in Kuala Selangor 9 JUNE 2023 ANGGERIK ROOM, ADVANCED STUDIES COMPLEX BY THIRD INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY, CHINA AND NANJ ING INSTITUTE, CHINA +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 19
Safety Briefing 11 JUNE 2023 +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH, RISK AND ENVIRONMENT CENTRE (OSHREC) BACHOK MARINE RESEARCH STATION IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 2017
Audit 12 JUNE 2023 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH, RISK AND ENVIRONMENT CENTRE (OSHREC) BACHOK MARINE RESEARCH STATION +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 21
Visit to Bachok Marine Research Station Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Dr Nurulnadia Bt Mohd Yusoff, lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) visited BMRS to monitor 2 UMT students who have undergone 4 months of industrial training at BMRS. Date: 3 Jan 2023 UM Holding Sdn Bhd and JPPHB Visit from UM Holding Sdn Bhd, Mr. Suhaimi and representative of JPPHB's space assets, Mr. Faris to see the potential of BMRS to be developed for university income. Date: 24 May 2023 +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 22
+603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] 23IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 Protecting Underwater Life through Integrated reHabilitation Pulau Rawa (Above water): Beautiful and tranquil beach view PhotobyAffendiYangAmri Pulau Rawa (Underwater): Coral Reef PhotobyAffendiYangAmri Pulau Rawa (Underwater): Preparing the Coral Nursery ‘Christmas Tree’ by Project PULIH team Photoby JihadWajdi MohdErfino Pulau Rawa (Above water): Preparing the Coral Nursery ‘Christmas Tree’ by Project PULIH team Photoby JihadWajdi MohdErfino Project PULIH launched their ‘christmas’ tree coral rehabilitation nurseries in Pulau Rawa from 22-26th May 2023. This was also in conjunction with the International Biodiversity Day on 22nd May 2023 whereby the team transferred several specifically chosen species onto the nurseries and not only one species, which is the normal practise for coral rehabilitation in Malaysia. The juvenile corals will be monitored throughout the next few years and will be transplanted to damaged areas on the natural reef of Pulau Rawa. Project PULIH thanks our collaborators at Rawa Island Resort, Orca Nation Dive Centre, RHB Islamic Bank, and permits from Department of Fisheries, without which this activity would not be able to be performed.
Latest Publications Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES) is pleased to share the latest publication on “A PICTORIAL GUIDE TO EUCHEUMATOID SEAWEED CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT FROM WILD POPULATIONS” a joint publication with the Natural History of Museum, United Kingdom; Scottish Association for Marine Science and Department of Fisheries Sabah. The guidebook is published resulted from the funding by UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) project (SCG22001; IF041-2022): Innovative Seaweed Aquaculture: A Nature Based Solution for Biodiversity Restoration & Poverty Alleviation in a Time of Accelerating Global Climate Change. The work is also partially supported by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia through the Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) project (IOES2014H) in the form of infrastructure and facilities. IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 24
Media Coverages +603-7967 4640 IOES, C308, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur [email protected] IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 25
CONGRATULATIONS The partnership between Prof. Adrian Fisher, Cambridge University and Emeritus Prof. Phang Siew Moi, University of Malaya (UM), is an excellent example of a multidisciplinary research collaboration which has evolved into a transdisciplinary collaboration. Prof. Adrian and his team member, Dr. Kamran Yunus, are experts in electrochemistry, while Prof. Phang and Dr. Victoria Ng are algal physiologists, while Dr. Vengadesh is a biophysicist. Pooling their specific capabilities at the start of the research into the development of a Algal Biophotovoltaic (BPV) Device to generate bioelectricity from algal photosynthesis, led eventually to both teams sharing and acquiring knowledge and skills from each other, leading to what can be termed a transdisciplinary approach when the team was awarded the Newton Prize for Malaysia in 2017. The Cambridge team designed and fabricated the BPV devices and contributed on the electrochemistry and the harvesting of electrons from the device to generate bioelectricity. The Universiti Malaya team produced the living components, the algal biofilms, on the anodes of the BPV device, investigated their photosynthetic efficiencies and factors influencing the rates of photosynthesis, which leads to generation of electrons to be harvested as bioelectricity. The Cambridge team has wide experience on understanding of the electrochemical processes of microbial fuel cells, while the Universiti Malaya team had a unique living Algal Culture Collection comprising algal strains isolated from diverse habitats.Prof. Phang is also the leading Algal Biotechnologist in Malaysia and is one of Top 2% Scientists in the World (Stanford University Report, 2021, 2022). This multidisciplinary project developed a“Next Generation Integrated Algal BPV” (Integrated fuel cell – photobioreactor). These sophisticated architectures would be used to develop and envisage low carbon technology solutions to provide point of use systems for a range of processes from chemical production to bioremediation. The ultimate realisation would be an optimised scalable approach which could be used to deliver a range of applications in vertical farming solutions in urban as well as rural areas in developing countries. A heartiest congratulations to Emeritus Professor Dr. Phang Siew Moi and her team for winning First Runner-Up in the UK- Malaysia Education Institutional Partnership of the Year Award at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards 2023. FIRST RUNNER-UP IN THE UK-MALAYSIA EDUCATION INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR AWARD IOES BULLETIN ISSUE 9 26