Nothing to Something in Industrial Biotechnology

Malaysia is a food lover’s paradise and Malaysians enjoy the diverse culinary heritage of its multicultural society. In the true spirit of Malaysian hospitality we cook, serve and we do not want the embarrassment of food shortage during celebration. As a result, a lot of food often goes waste. Generally, Malaysians waste 15,000 tonnes of food every day and this food waste end up in landfills. According to National Solid Waste Management Department, the average waste production by Malaysian increased by approximately 5.18% from 38,563 to 49,670 tons/waste/day (JPSPN, 2021). Although Malaysia’s waste recycling rate does increase simultaneously from 11.5 to 22% for 2020 but Malaysia is still in an alarming state of the available waste (JPSPN, 2021).

Hazaka, 2021

Addressing these concerns, the Government seeks to rapid up the recycling rate of household waste under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP). This 12MP is a 5 year project where it aims to implement a green, clean and resilient nation. The generated waste will be managed via different approaches like source separation as well as enhancing the reduce, reuse and recycle (3R) program. These efforts are in line with the National Cleanliness Policy 2019 in order to minimise waste pollution as well as to promote the circular economy and waste-to-wealth initiatives.

Large amount of food waste not only leads to great economic loss but also impacting the environment adversely. Thus, clear strategies are required to limit the amount of waste produced and application of fermentation by different microorganism to produce several value-added products. The food waste can be treated by various approaches such as soli-state fermentation, submerged fermentation as well as anaerobic fermentation. Fermentation of starchy material by Clostridium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted biobutanol and bioethanol respectively. Initially, the polysaccharide need to undergo pre-treatment in order to break down the polymer chains into glucose monomers which are subsequently metabolized by the microbe. Different types of biofuels can be achieved depending on the provided substrate. Besides biofuels, microbial fermentation of food waste able to recover several added-value products like bioactive compounds and pigments. Selection of most suitable microorganism and media are crucial element in fermentation to ensure low-to-zero cost process.

In conclusion, microbial fermentation of food waste is an interesting approach where it incorporates advanced fermentation technology to transform nothing (food waste) to something.

Words by:
Dr. Chia Vi Vien
Lecturer, School of Bioscience,
MAHSA University

Carving a New Milestone: The Journey of YB Senator Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa bin Hj. Abdullah

In the annals of Malaysian education, one name that shines brightly is that of YB Senator Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa. His remarkable journey began in 2004 when he laid the foundation for what would eventually become MAHSA University in 2013. Over the years, his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have transformed MAHSA into a renowned Malaysian higher education institution, offering a wide array of programs in diverse fields. He established MAHSA as a college, initially focusing on healthcare programs. Little did the world know that this humble beginning would evolve into something extraordinary. YB Senator Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa's accomplishments extend beyond academia. He has made significant strides in various industries, including Education, Healthcare, Retail, Technology, and Investment. His exemplary contributions earned him the position of Chairman of the SOCSO's Board of Directors, showcasing his prowess in corpor

Shattering Stereotypes: First Malaysian Indigenous Dentist

The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) recently extended their congratulations to Dr Tan Bee Hui, who became the first indigenous person to earn the title of Dentist. JAKOA's message was shared on their TikTok page (@jakoamalaysia) based on a post made by the Malaysia Orang Asli Students' Association (PMOA) on their Facebook page. PMOA shared this announcement on their social media on September 30th. Tan Bee Hui A/P Tan Boon Huat is MAHSA University Dental Faculty Alumni who successfully completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery earlier this year. She received her early education at SJK (C) Kuala Rompin and SMK Rompin before continuing her studies at Kolej Mara Banting. It's understood that Tan Bee Hui's interest in education was driven by the dedication of her mother, who frequently taught her and her sibling at home. As a Jakun indigenous person, she believes that education has the power to change her family's destiny and break free from the cycle of pove

MedPath: Navigating your Medical Journey

The MedPath event took place at MAHSA University, providing an immersive experience for students from Kwang Hua Private High School in Klang. The event was meticulously organized, offering a diverse range of activities tailored to enlighten and guide students on their potential paths towards a career in medicine. The event commenced with an engaging presentation, focusing on the MBBS pathway at MAHSA, outlining the academic journey necessary for aspiring medical professionals. A detailed discussion provided insights into scholarships and financing options specifically designed for the MBBS program, aiming to inform students about the available financial support avenues for their medical education. Following that, a captivating live demonstration showcased EEG tracing, offering practical insights into neurology and the application of medical technology in diagnosing neurological conditions. The students were then given a guided tour through the anatomy suite allowed students to witness

INSIGHTS @ MAHSA

Search This Blog