Production of
thiochemicals using
a biocatalyst
Arkema is a specialty chemicals and
advanced materials company with a
thiochemical division that is known as a
world leader in producing
sulphur-based chemicals. The company
has identified dimethyl sulphide as one
of the by-products that are of low value.
This research aims to valorise the
by-product through a catalytic process.
Researchers: Professor Chan Eng Seng,
Professor Tey Beng Ti, Dr Edward Ooi Chien
Wei and co-researchers from Arkema
Thiochemicals and Arkema France
Funding agency: Arkema Thiochemicals
Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Study of alemtuzumab for the treatment of
relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
This pharmacoeconomic study is evaluating the cost-effectiveness and budget impact
of alemtuzumab for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients in
Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Malaysia. The completed analyses will be
submitted to MOH for listing in the Medicines Formulary.
Researcher: Professor Kenneth Lee Kwing Chin
Funding agency: Sanofi-Aventis (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Evaluating the extent of
tax evasion:
A Malaysian study
Past studies have revealed that a large
number of high-income earners in
developing countries avoid the tax
system, hampering development
efforts. This culture of tax evasion has
also been alluded to as a key factor
influencing noncompliance. Building
upon their previous work in 2014 on
the hidden economy and tax evasion in
Malaysia, researchers are looking into
the hidden income sectors that were
identified and exploring the
circumstances that have changed five
years later. Sectors where hidden
income and tax evasion are most
prevalent in 2019 will be identified and
appropriate recommendations to
improve tax compliance will be provided.
Researchers: Professor Jeyapalan Kasipillai,
Dr Lee Mei Yee, Dr Elaine Chew and a
co-researcher from Butler University
Funding agency: Malaysian Tax Research
Foundation
Evaluation of nanoparticles in the improvement of
high-strength polyurea materials
This study is looking into ways in which polyurea formulas can be enhanced for spray,
pour and reaction injection applications. Further refinement to nano-additives to
improve the performance of existing polyurea formulas is also being conducted. The
results will provide solutions for various applications of polyurea films and coating.
Researcher: Dr Pooria Pasbakhsh
Funding agency: Hard Shell FZE, UAE
MONASH WARWICK ALLIANCE
Understanding the cascade of care in tuberculosis
patients: A focus in migrants
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global public health problem affecting millions of people
around the world. The World Health Organization has plans to eliminate tuberculosis
within the next 15 years. It has published a framework giving top priority to
high-incidence population groups who experience significant marginalisation and
human rights violations, such as migrants and refugees. Due to increased border
conflict and cross-border mobility, Southeast Asian countries particularly struggle to
document diagnosed cases of TB. Monash is working with the University of Warwick to
develop a system that will not only enhance early TB detection of future outbreaks for
migrants and refugees in Malaysia and Thailand, but will also act as the primary source
of data collection for diagnosed cases.
Researchers: Associate Professor Shaun Lee Wen Huey, Professor Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk and
co-researchers from the University of Warwick
Funding agency: Monash Warwick Alliance
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