SCSRL Teams Achieve One Gold and Two Silver Awards at SynBio Challenges 2026
The Suntar-CAMS Sustainability Research Laboratory (SCSRL) teams from Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) achieved an outstanding result at SynBio Challenges 2026, securing one Gold Award and two Silver Awards across three different competition tracks.
The competition was held from 21 to 23 August 2026 at the Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT), Shenzhen, China. Competing alongside 512 teams and 3,849 innovators from nine countries, our students demonstrated their creativity, innovation, and technical expertise in the field of synthetic biology.
The SCSRL teams achieved the following awards:
- Gold Award — Protein Design Track
Team members: Xiong Yuchen, Yosef Kristian Tirta, Bai Jianing, Tham Fu Quan, Sim Jia Chen, Kam Xiu Wei
- Silver Award — Regular Track: White
Team members: Chow Shi Yin, Vivian Foong Chee Yan, Christal Winona Clyde, Ong Yi Xiang
Silver Award — Industry Track: Anhui Huaheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (AHB) Challenge 1
Team members: Christal Winona Clyde, Ong Yi Xiang, Chow Shi Yin, Vivian Foong Chee Yan
Competing across different tracks, the teams demonstrated a diverse range of approaches in synthetic biology, spanning protein design, genetic engineering, and industrial biotechnology. Their participation provided valuable opportunities to present their research to experts from different fields, receive constructive feedback, and exchange ideas with fellow participants from across the synthetic biology community.
These achievements were made possible with the support of Suntar International Group through the Suntar-CAMS Sustainability Research Laboratory (SCSRL) at Xiamen University Malaysia, together with the valuable guidance and mentorship of Prof. Dr. Yeap Swee Keong and Dr. Steven Aw Yoong Kit.
The success of the SCSRL teams at SynBio Challenges 2026 highlights the impact of industry-academic collaboration in nurturing young researchers and advancing innovation in synthetic biology. Through continued support and mentorship, students are provided with opportunities to develop their research, engage with the international scientific community, and explore pathways towards translating innovative ideas into real-world applications.
Congratulations to all team members, advisors, mentors, and supporters on this remarkable achievement! This milestone reflects the dedication and collaborative efforts behind the teams’ success and further strengthens XMUM’s engagement with the international synthetic biology community.
