Miniaturised acoustic wave devices as multifunction
sensors for smartphones and wearable applications
With the market for wearable technology expected to be worth USD51 billion by 2020,
there has been increasing demand for sensitive, smart, and advanced microsensors –
the key electric component. There is immense potential for including environmental
sensors which can detect beyond biomedical measurands such as PM2.5 index. This
research is investigating the possibility of interfacing a wireless passive sensor with a
smartphone as a wearable sensing platform. The outcome could lead to revolutionising
sensors for smartphones and the wearables industry.
Researchers: Dr Narayanan Ramakrishnan, Dr Tridib Saha and Dr Ajay Achath Mohanam
Funding agency: MEMscom Technology Sdn Bhd
Malaysian Business Sentiment Survey
2018/2019
Malaysia's business leaders take measured steps every day to improve their businesses
and make deliberate decisions that ultimately affect all Malaysians. Their decisions to
expand operations, invest in new technology, or lobby to support the government’s
policies have an important impact on Malaysia’s economy. The survey gathered the
opinions, voice and feelings of the country’s business leaders, and highlighted concerns
that could potentially affect businesses seeking growth through investments in existing
products and services in new markets. These findings merit attention if Malaysia is to
remain competitive in a global economy without borders.
Researchers: Professor Mahendhiran Nair, Professor Pervaiz Ahmed, Associate Professor Santha
Vaithilingam, Dr Au Wee Chan and Dr Prabahkaran Narayanan
Funding agency: CPA Australia Limited
Non-destructive inspection method to identify
defects on casting parts
Researchers are developing an effective method to detect surface cracks on casting
parts. Among others, the study will investigate the viability of forced vibration response
analysis, compare it with impulse vibration response for defect detection purposes, and
develop an artificial intelligence algorithm suited for automated defect detection.
Researchers: Dr Wang Xin, Dr Tan Ming Kwang and Dr Tan Boon Thong
Funding agency: Shenzen Ursend Technology Co Ltd
Understanding the development of smart
manufacturing policies in APEC economies
There is no dedicated initiative to date to support smart manufacturing. Due to the
extensive transformation and disruptive nature that these technological changes bring,
current government policy, framework and regulation would not be adequate to address
issues faced through digitalisation. This project seeks to address the gaps existing in
the policy frameworks in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies and
propose ways to strengthen their smart manufacturing policies.
Researchers: Professor Mahendhiran Nair, Professor Pervaiz K Ahmed, Associate Professor V
Santha A Vaithilingam, Dr Au Wee Chan, Dr Prabahkaran Narayanan and Mr Daniel Lee
Funding agency: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat
25
Fundamental
investigation into the
synergistic action of
deep eutectic solvents
and ultrasound in
promoting the
valorisation of oil palm
biomass
Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have
received considerable attention, not
only because of their ability in
delignification but also in transforming
reducing sugars into furanic derivatives.
This research explores the synergistic
action of DES and ultrasound in
delignification and transformation of oil
palm fronds into bio-based products.
The study will advance knowledge of
using DES as a green solvent in the
transformation of agricultural residues
into higher-value-added bio-products,
conforming to the aim of the Agriculture
National Key Economic Area, which is
to contribute to the country's economic
growth and sustainability.
Researchers: Associate Professor Wu Ta
Yeong, Associate Professor Siow Lee Fong
and co-researchers from Universiti Malaysia
Sabah, Universiti Malaya and Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia
Funding agency: Ministry of Education (for
Associate Professor Wu’s Malaysia
Research Star Award 2017)