Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan, an Assistant Professor at the China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences (CAMS), Xiamen University Malaysia, has been selected as one of the five recipients of the 2023 Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment.

Image

This prestigious international attachment will enable him to undertake a 3-month research project abroad.

With the proposed project titled Phytoremediation - A Nature-based Solution (NbS) for Soil Heavy Metals Pollution, his research aims to address the challenge of heavy metal pollution in soil by using specific types of plants to cost-effectively revegetate contaminated areas. This approach not only promises to tackle societal challenges effectively, but also benefits both people and the environment.

"Soil forms the foundation of life,” Dr. Chuck stressed the significance of the research, “If it becomes contaminated, it can lead to various related problems." 
Phytoremediation, a part of the NbS strategy, involves using plants to remove contaminants from the soil, making it safe for human health and the environment. Despite its eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, phytoremediation is underutilized in Malaysia due to its slower effectiveness. With the support of this Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, Dr. Chuck hopes to explore the sustainable soil management practices in other countries and bring this knowledge back to Malaysia.

"This international attachment aligns with my global perspective and local action mindset. By transferring knowledge and technology back to Malaysia, I aim to develop guidelines and recommendations for soil restoration through phytoremediation," he added.

Image

Group photo at the ceremony

Growing up in the small town of Georgetown, Penang, Dr. Chuck's interest in soil pollution and bioremediation was solidified during his early undergraduate studies. He joined Xiamen University Malaysia in September 2020, holding a PhD in Applied Environmental Sciences from the University of Malaya, and currently serves as the Head of the BSc in Marine Environmental Chemistry (Honours) programme at the China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences.

Expressing his gratitude for being selected as one of the 2023 Merdeka Award Grant recipients, Dr. Chuck mentioned the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and pursuing one's aspirations.

As a lecturer, he always advise his students to "step out of their comfort zones" - which is also his principle to research. Over the years, he has actively participated in environmental education beyond traditional classrooms, engaging in citizen-science activities to raise scientific awareness and enhance soil quality in Malaysia.

One example is his Vetiver Bioremediation (Vet BioR) project. Based in Thailand and Malaysia, this project aims to raise awareness about soil degradation and promote soil regeneration. Through public workshops, participants learn to plant vetiver, a plant widely used in land conservation, to combat soil degradation and assess soil properties.

Image

Dr. Chuck at Vet BioR project with his colleague

"Passion will drive you to do more, and you just have to continue believing in it," When asked about the motivation behind it, Dr. Chuck emphasized the role of personal interest and passion.

"For me, only lab work and paper writing is not enough. I want to bring the science to, and benefit the people and the society."

The Merdeka Award Trust, established by PETRONAS and Shell in 2007, aims to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations whose contributions have not only fueled Malaysia's growth but also inspired its people. The Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment offers Malaysians between the ages of 22 and 35 the opportunity to participate in 3-month collaborative projects with international institutions, promoting thought leadership, innovation, and the exchange of best practices that can benefit Malaysia.