Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Wee Chen from School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) has been honoured with the National Academic Award (Anugerah Akademik Negara, AAN) 2025 for Journal Paper Publication - Science Category, presented by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Wee Chen

The award ceremony, held on 25 October 2025 in Subang Jaya, Selangor, was officiated by YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education, on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Wee Chen exchanging views with YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia.

Introduced in 2006, the AAN represents the highest recognition by MOHE for outstanding academics across various disciplines in Malaysia. The awards celebrate excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, and highlight the vital role of universities in advancing Malaysia’s academic and societal development.

This award, one of Malaysia's highest academic distinctions, recognises Dr. Gan Wee Chen's outstanding contributions to scientific research and scholarly publication. It worth noting that he is the first recipient from a private higher education institution (IPTS) to win in this category - a milestone that reflects MOHE's commitment to acknowledging research excellence across all sectors of higher education.

Inspired by his mentor, Prof. Takeo Furukawa, Dr. Gan Wee Chen has dedicated his career to meaningful scientific inquiry guided by humility, perseverance, and integrity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his team developed a next-generation face mask capable of neutralising airborne pathogens, publishing their findings in high-impact journals such as Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Nano Energy, and Advanced Functional Materials.

Reflecting on the award, Dr. Gan Wee Chen emphasised the importance of teamwork and rigorous research:

"True scientific growth happens when students are empowered to think independently and feel safe to fail and learn. This achievement is the result of collective effort and strong teamwork. Real impact comes from patience, persistence and integrity in research. Quality first; quantity will naturally follow."

He credits the success to the collaborative efforts of his students and colleagues, esp. his postgraduate student Sim Moh Terng and colleague Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Swee Tiam as vital contributors, mentioning that he would continue to foster a research culture that encourages curiosity, resilience, and ethical scholarship.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Wee Chen (centre) with YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, YB Mustapha Sakmud, Dr. Anesee Ibrahim and Datuk Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman during the AAN 2025 award ceremony. 

From left: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Swee Tiam, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Wee Chen, Sim Moh Terng

Dr. Gan Wee Chen is currently an Associate Professor and Head of Programme (Undergraduate Programme) in New Energy Science and Engineering at the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering (SECE), Xiamen University Malaysia. His research interests focus on the functional properties of soft materials including Ferroelectric, Piezoelectric, Triboelectric and Composites. 

For more information:

1. The Star

2. NST

3. Sinar Harian

4. BERNAMA

5. Facebook (YB Dato' Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir)