Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) has been named National Outstanding Researcher at the Private Education Excellence Awards 2025.

The annual awards, organised by the Private Education Cooperative of Malaysia (Educoop) in collaboration with Emerald Publishing, recognise academic excellence in private higher education institutions across the country. 

This year's ceremony, held at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, celebrated the event's 10th anniversary and honoured educators in categories including teaching, science, arts and design, engineering, research and innovation, and humanities.

In response to receiving the award, Prof. Yong Wai Fen acknowledged the support of her team and institution.

"This recognition reflects the collective effort of my research team, students, and the supportive environment at XMUM," she said, "My passion lies in developing sustainable solutions through science. This award reinforces my commitment to meaningful research and to guiding future talents in green separation and purification technologies."

She also offered advice to aspiring researchers: 

"Stay curious, resilient, and committed to your goals. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth and innovation."

Prof. Yong Wai Fen's award marks the fifth time that XMUM scholars have been recognised at the Private Education Excellence Awards. Previous recipients include:

2024: Adjunct Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Vincent Woon (National Outstanding Young Researcher) and Asst. Prof. Ir. Dr. Wong Voon Loong (National Outstanding Young Educator - Merit)

2023: Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Haw Choon Yian (National Outstanding Young Educator)

2022: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Swee Tiam (National Outstanding Researcher) and Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun (National Outstanding Young Researcher)

2019: Prof. Dr. Huang Nay Ming (National Outstanding Researcher) and Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun (National Outstanding Reviewer)

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About Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen

Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen is the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Green and Advanced Technologies in Efficient Separations (GATES) and Head of Postgraduate Programmes (Chemical Engineering) at XMUM. Her research focuses on sustainable technologies for CO2 capture, air and water purification, and renewable energy.

She has successfully executed research projects totalling over USD 7 million, published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers, holds six patents, and has been listed among the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University in both 2023 and 2024. Her international recognitions include the Green Talents Award from Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Distinguished Women Scientist Award by Elsevier at ISPT 2024, and several young investigator awards from IChemE, CCST, and RINENG.

In addition to her research contributions, Prof. Yong Wai Fen serves on editorial boards of international journals such as Separation and Purification Technology, Advanced Membranes, and Nano Research Energy.