Research Management Centre congratulates Dr. Tan Jian Ping from XMUM School of Energy and Chemical Engineering for receiving Technology Development Fund 1 (TeD 1) from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia, with an allocation of RM 500,000.

Dr. Tan Jian Ping’s project aims to improve the productivity of 1,3-propanediol from palm-based biodiesel waste glycerol (TDF07211418). This project is expected to be completed within 24 months. 

With financial and in-kind contributions from various stakeholders, this project is valued at RM 1.15 million. 

Led by Dr. Tan Jian Ping, this project will be conducted by scientists from different bodies and institutions, including Dr. Yeap Swee Keong from China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Dr. Masli Irwan Rosli and Ts. Dr. Abdullah Amru Indera Luthfi from National University of Malaysia, and Dr. Low Kheng Oon from Malaysia Genome Institute, National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia.

The award of this grant demonstrated the powerful links between Xiamen University Malaysia and various prominent industry partners, namely Sime Darby Plantation Research, KL-Kepong Industrial Holding Berhad and Synthomer (United Kingdom) Limited. The grant was also made possible by the strong support of Prof. Chen Binghui and Prof. He Ning as the collaborating partners from Xiamen University China. 

Apart from Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 tabled by the Malaysian government, by providing the raw material for polyester resin, this research also supports the Key Economic Growth Activities 12 (KEGA 12: Green Economy) in terms of plastic or polymer substitute products. In line with 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and Economic (MySTIE) Framework, with a focus on Bioscience Technology driver, this project uses sustainable bio-based approaches to close a loop between locally available waste glycerol and Southeast Asia polyester market demand to establish a circular bioeconomy, which is aligned with SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. 

This approach helps secure the strategic interest of Malaysia’s palm oil industry by converting crude glycerol from fatty acid plant and biodiesel plant into 1,3-propanediol. The production of 1,3-propanediol will give rise to various business opportunities in Malaysia. Leveraging on the availability of this new valuable compound would lead to economy spillover effects on job creation at different skill levels, improving Malaysian livelihood sustainably. 

Dr. Tan Jian Ping, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia. 

Research Interests: Biochemical, Bioprocess, Biorefinery, Biomass, Biogas, Biological Wastewater Treatment, Insect Farming

Professional membership: Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), the Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Institute of Chemical Engineers (ICHEME), UK; Committee member in Malaysian Academic Research on Palm Oil Sustainability (ARPOS)

Dr. Tan Jian Ping is an awarded scientific researcher who, as the principle investigator, has successfully secured multiple grants, including Fundamental Research Grant Scheme from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia and, recently, a half-million ringgit grant under Technology Development Fund 1 from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.