Foundations in Bioprocess Engineering & Machine Learning (2010 – 2011)

My scientific research journey began with my undergraduate Final Year Project (FYP), where I explored the intersection of bioprocess engineering and computational modeling. Supervised by Prof. Mohamed Saedi Jami and co-supervised by Prof. Md. Zahangir Alam, my FYP focused on developing an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model using MATLAB to predict citric acid production yields from solid-state fermentation. For the experimental validation, I cultured Aspergillus niger utilizing oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) as a sustainable carbon source for the citric acid production. By training the ANN with existing optimization datasets and tuning its parameters, I successfully validated the model against experimental data. This work led to my first conference presentation at the International Conference on Biotechnology Engineering (ICBioE) 2011 and a subsequent journal publication.

PhD Journey: Unlocking the Wonders of Nanoclusters (2014 – 2018)

In July 2014, I moved to Singapore to pursue my PhD at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS). I was co-supervised by Prof. Xie Jianping (BioNanoMetals Group) and Prof. Yan Ning (Green Catalysis Research Group). My initial work targeted environmental remediation via metal nanocluster catalysts for removing indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and haze components. However, driven by a desire for precise mechanistic insights, I pivoted to studying atomically precise, ligand-protected gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) using the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol as a model catalytic reaction.

The core of my doctoral research focused on a fundamental, molecular-level understanding of how surface ligands influence the catalytic properties of Au NCs, specifically regarding molecular accessibility, activity, and reaction pathways. I also investigated how doping these clusters with silver altered their electronic structures. Working at the quantum-confinement regime, where nanomaterials exhibit discrete electronic structures and fascinating optical properties, was captivating. This fruitful period resulted in multiple primary publications and collaborative papers with my peers.

While awaiting my viva voce after thesis submission, I worked with the Green Catalysis Research Group on an eco-friendly project extracting chitin from shrimp shell waste using pressurized hot water and carbon dioxide, which led to another co-authored publication. This intense yet transformative journey significantly sharpened my critical thinking and academic writing skills. Alhamdulillah, I am deeply grateful for the guidance of my supportive supervisors and the vibrant community at NUS.

Expanding Horizons: Green Hydrogen, Biosensors, and Community (2022 – 2026)

Between 2022 and 2024, my research portfolio underwent a major expansion, pivoting toward advanced electrochemical systems and green energy technologies. A key milestone during this period was a sponsored research project from nanoSkunkWorkX Sdn. Bhd. (nSWX) on Biosensor Development and a year-long industrial attachment as a Senior Research Engineer at the same company. This immersive industry collaboration allowed me to bridge the gap between fundamental laboratory chemistry and scalable engineering applications.

With nSWX, I worked on the following projects:

• Biosensor Development: I focused heavily on optimizing surface functionalization and molecular immobilization strategies to enhance sensor sensitivity and selectivity.

• Green Hydrogen Production: I worked alongside an interdisciplinary team on an advanced hydrogen generation project, where I oversaw critical tech-economic price surveys to ensure cost-effective budget management for the project's development phase.

Currently, leading into 2026, my research is heavily focused on the valorization of local agricultural waste into high-value products through activated carbon-based nanocomposites and electrocatalyst development.

Beyond the bench, my commitment to academic communication and community empowerment led to the creation of the Creative Reading and Education by Storytelling Project (CREES-P). This dedicated community engagement initiative supports underprivileged children by fostering a love for reading through interactive modules that combine oratory skills development with imaginative thinking and drawing activities.