Xiamen University Malaysia, through its Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Advancement and a Zero-Waste Economy (STARGAZE), took part in the National Innovation and Commercialisation Expo (NICE 2025) from 6 to 9 October 2025.

XMUM was the only private university invited to exhibit at the event.

Organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), NICE 2025 was held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) and officiated by YAB Dato' Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. The expo, which brought together 17 government agencies, top universities, and leading national research institutions, served as the largest research and innovation showcase ever organised by MOSTI.

The STARGAZE booth featured XMUM's research achievements in sustainable biotechnology, including bio-based chemical production, circular agro-waste valorisation, bioenergy innovation, and AI-enabled bioprocess systems. Inspite of a tight parliamentary schedule, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, visited only the XMUM-STARGAZE booth among more than 150 exhibitors.

From left: MOSTI Minister YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, XMUM Vice President Prof. Zhang Ying and STARGAZE Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Jian Ping

Throughout the four-day exhibition, the booth attracted visitors from diverse backgrounds, including the Secretary-General of MOSTI, venture capitalists, foreign state-owned media, the Director of TNB Research, the Chief Research Officer of Sime Darby Research, as well as representatives from banks and research institutions across Malaysia.

Secretary-General of MOSTI Datuk Seri Hj. Hasnol Zam Zam bin Hj. Ahmad visiting XMUM-STARGAZE Booth

"Being the only private university invited to the nation's largest research showcase is a recognition of our capability and vision in advancing sustainable technologies," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Jian Ping, STARGAZE Director. "It highlights XMUM’s increasing visibility within Malaysia’s research and innovation ecosystem."

Prof. Dr. Wang Huiqiong (right), Assistant President of XMUM, highlighting XMUM research to Tsinghua University researchers