KUALA LUMPUR, 31 October, 2015 – Five Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) scientists have received prestigious awards as the Top Research Scientists Malaysia (TRSM) from the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) for significant contributions within their respective fields of research.

The recipients are Professor Dr. Othman Sulaiman, Professor Dr. Rokiah Hashim and Professor Ir. Dr. Mohd Omar Ab. Kadir from the School of Industrial Technology, Professor Dr. Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Professor Ir. Dr. Srimala Sreekantan from the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering.

Mohamed Azmi was excited to be included in the TRSM group, and hopes to continue contributing to drive excellence for USM through research.

As a researcher who specialises in the field of social and administrative pharmacy research, he said that his field of research is very significant in driving future national and regional pharmaceutical policy.

"USM is the only university in this country that has a niche within this field of research and to date we have produced talent from 14 countries around the world.

"We have also been given recognition by various national and international agencies in research related to national and regional pharmaceutical policy," he said.

Meanwhile Othman, who is also the Dean of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies said that the success was the fruits of effort by all parties, especially USM which has always been supportive of its researchers and their efforts at developing research.

An expert in the field of Bio Resources, Othman also stated that there are many avenues to be explored in his field of research that could increase the use of bio resources for the benefit of the community and also to generate national income.

"At the moment I am focusing on the potential of palm oil which in general possesses a lot of potential for deriving benefits from this resource.

"Oil palm trees have multiple uses, including the leaves, stalks, husks and so forth. Among the final products that can be produced from this resource are wood, sweeteners, stickers and so forth," he said.

His wife, Rokiah, echoed the point on the potential of bio resources at generating wealth for the country, and expressed her hope that more discoveries can be made in these areas in the near future.

Also present was the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dato' Dr. Muhamad Jantan who represented the Vice-Chancellor. He expressed pride at the achievements of USM researchers.

"To date, a total of 26 USM researchers have successfully positioned themselves in the TRSM group.

"This success is the result of their hard work in producing quality research and publications, which is very much in line with the direction of the university’s core research development," he stated.

All 14 TRSM 2015 recipients received their awards which were presented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre this morning.

TRSM project was developed as part of ASM’s focus on fostering a culture of excellence in science, technology and innovation (STI). Malaysian research scientists contribute significantly to the economic growth of the nation via generation and dissemination of knowledge, wealth creation and productive pursuit of scientific excellence for benefits of humanity.

In relation to this, the ‘Top Research Scientists Malaysia’ database aims to recognise and showcase the accomplishments of the Malaysian research scientists as role models of excellence, mentors to the next generation and leaders to forge ahead with the science, technology and innovation (STI) agenda of the nation.

Editing of translation: Dr. Nurul Farhana Low Abdullah

Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias

Photos: Ahmad Zulman Mohd Zain