Two XMUM Academics Receive National Academic Awards 2026
Published on November 6, 2026
The Research and Postgraduate Centre congratulates Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun and Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), on receiving the National Academic Award (Anugerah Akademik Negara, AAN) 2026, presented by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).
Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun was honoured with the Promising Academic Award, while Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen received the Journal Paper Publication Award – Science Category.
The award ceremony was held on 30 October 2026 in Klang, Selangor, and officiated by YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education.
Established in 2006, the AAN represents MOHE's highest recognition of outstanding academic achievements in Malaysia. The awards celebrate excellence in teaching, research and innovation, while highlighting the vital role of universities in advancing the nation's academic and societal development.
Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun receives the Promising Academic Award 2026 from YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir
Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen receives the Journal Paper Publication Award – Science Category from YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir
The Promising Academic Award recognises Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun as a talented academic who exhibits high potential and excels holistically in teaching and learning as well as research, leadership and solidarity at the national and/or international levels, while the Journal Paper Publication Award recognises Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen’s outstanding contributions to scientific research and scholarly publication.
Reflecting on the award, Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun said:
"I am deeply honoured to receive the Promising Academic Award, which reflects not just individual effort but the collective support of my mentors, colleagues, and students. This recognition belongs to all of you!"
He said the recognition also served as a responsibility and motivation to continue advancing green hydrogen for rural electrification, nurturing young Malaysian talent and translating research into practical technologies.
Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun at poster booth
Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen shared her gratitude to MOHE, XMUM management, her supervisors, mentors, colleagues, collaborators, research team and family for their support throughout her academic journey. She described the award as one of the most meaningful moments in her career, emphasising that the achievement reflected the collective efforts of many people.
Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen at poster booth
YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Datuk Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman and Prof. Dato' Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed visited both Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun' and Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen's booth after the award ceremony
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Wee Chen, also from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, received the National Academic Award (AAN) 2025 in the Journal Paper Publication – Science Category (https://www.xmu.edu.my/school-energy-and-chemical-engineering/posts/new…).
Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun is the Assistant Dean of School of Energy and Chemical Engineering and the Director of Centre of Excellence for NaNo Energy & Catalysis Technology (CONNECT) at XMUM. His research interests include nanomaterials for photo(electro)catalytic and electrochemical H2O splitting, CO2 reduction, H2O2 synthesis, nitrate-to-ammonia, alcohol oxidation and organic synthesis as well as microwave plasma methane cracking for graphene and hydrogen production.
Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong is the Head of Postgraduate Programmes (Chemical Engineering) at the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, as well as Director of the Centre of Excellence for Green and Advanced Technologies in Efficient Separations (GATES). Her research focuses on sustainable materials and advanced membrane and separation technologies for carbon capture, biogas separation, air purification and water treatment.
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