Malaysia – October 21, 2024 – The newly established Suntar-CAMS Sustainability Research Laboratory, a collaborative initiative between Suntar International Group and the China-ASEAN College of Marine Science (CAMS) at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), was officially inaugurated today. The laboratory is aimed to advancing cutting-edge research for a circular bioeconomy, with a focus on developing sustainable solutions for critical global challenges, including climate change and sustainable food production.
Suntar International Group, founded by Dr. Lan Wei Guang, pioneer and leader in the development and application of membrane technology and solutions. Committed to sustainability, Suntar aligns its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address global challenges. As part of this commitment, Dr. Lan Wei Guang contributed RM 1,000,000 to support the research programs of the new laboratory.
CAMS at XMUM is renowned for promoting research collaboration between China and ASEAN countries. Supported by the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund, the college plays a leading role in marine science education, research, and policy consultation. CAMS excels in marine biotechnology and chemistry and is well positioned to contribute to the Maritime Silk Road initiative.
The Suntar-CAMS Sustainability Research Laboratory will explore utilizing greenhouse gases, such as CO2 and methane, as valuable feedstock for biobased products. Suntar’s expertise in downstream processing and portfolio of advanced membrane technologies is expected to play a pivotal role. The lab will work closely with researchers from Malaysia, China, Singapore, and other international partners to develop pioneering sustainable solutions.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance:
- Prof. Wang Ruifang – President, XMUM
- Prof. Wang Huiqiong – Assistant President, XMUM
- Mr. Xiao Dehong – Chief Information Officer, XMUM
- Prof. Pan Shimo – Former Vice President, Xiamen University (XMU)
- Dr. Lan Weiguang – Founder, Suntar International Group
- Mr. Nie Weiming – General Manager, Guangxi Sienter Longevity Technology Company Limited
- Prof. Luo Yawei – Deputy Dean, CAMS, XMUM
- Prof. Yeap Swee Keong – Assistant Dean, CAMS, XMUM; Co-lead for Suntar-CAMS Sustainability Research Laboratory
- Dr. Steven Aw – Research Scientists, XMUM; Suntar-CAMS Sustainability Research Laboratory
Opening Ceremony Highlights:
Professor Luo Yawei, Deputy Dean of CAMS, XMUM, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming the esteemed guests and expressing gratitude to XMUM and CAMS for their hard work, and generosity of Suntar International Group in making this collaboration a success.
Dr. Lan Weiguang, an alumnus of Xiamen University, expressed his dedication to supporting the university through this partnership. He highlighted the importance of sustainability research and conveyed his optimism about the significant contributions the laboratory is poised to make. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the strong support of Prof. Wang Ruifang, President of XMUM that contributes to the success of this collaboration.
Professor Pan Shimo, former Vice President of Xiamen University, underscored the importance of collaboration between industry and academia to drive innovation. He praised the Suntar-CAMS partnership as a model example and encouraged more such collaborations in the future.
Professor Yeap Swee Keong, Assistant Dean of CAMS, XMUM, and co-leader of the laboratory with Dr. Steven Aw, highlighted the research strengths of CAMS and its potential contributions to the initiative. He emphasized that the collaboration would also benefit students by providing exposure to sustainability research and circular bioeconomy as well as fostering international industry connections.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the name plaque, officially marking the opening of the Suntar-CAMS Sustainability Research Laboratory.
A Call for Collaboration and Research Opportunities:
The Suntar-CAMS Sustainability Research Laboratory invites local and international partners to collaborate and encourages students who passionates in circular bioeconomy to explore research opportunities within our laboratory.