A team of Chemical Engineering (CME) students from Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) won the Gold Award at the Malaysia–Japan Industrial & Innovation Expo (MJIIX) International Research and Innovation Competition (IRIC) 2026. The team comprised Natalie Tan, Zhi Ling Chew, Farah Maddouri and Haidar Raghad Bassam Saif Ahmad, under the supervision of Dr. Yin Leng Kua.

Their project, “From Palm Kernel Cake and Durian Seed to Absolute Biowaste-Derived (ABD) Cosmetic Base with Photo-Protective Potential and Enhanced Oxidative Stability”, explores the use of agricultural and food waste in cosmetic formulations. By combining black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil with durian seed powder as a natural gelator, the team developed an oleogel with potential cosmetic applications.

Supported by the XMUM Research Fund (XMUMRF) and WWF Education for Nature Program, the project received BSFL oil from BioLoop Sdn. Bhd. and durian seeds from Lian Feng Frozen Durian Sdn. Bhd.

Hosted by the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the competition was held on 28 September 2026 and attracted more than 160 entries from local and international universities. Projects were evaluated on innovation, industry relevance, sustainability, commercialisation potential and presentation skills.

The team thanked Dr. Kua for her guidance and XMUM for its support, adding that the award motivates them to further develop the cosmetic base and explore its real-world applications.

The XMUM team with supervisor Dr. Yin Leng Kua and their winning poster and Gold Award