KUALA LUMPUR, 24 October 2018 – Vicinisvarri Inderan, a PhD student from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Chemical Sciences recently won 2nd prize in the “Pertandingan Projek Penyelidikan Inovasi Nanoteknologi (PIN ‘18)”, a competition organised by the National Nanotechnology Centre (NNC).

She presented a topic on “Tin Oxide Nanocomposite: An Innovative Low Temperature Ethanol Gas Sensor”.

Vicinisvarri who is working under the supervision of Dr. Lee Hooi Ling developed a new biopolymer nanocomposite fibre material using simple hydrothermal and electrospinning methods for ethanol gas sensor. This nanomaterial shows a synergetic effect that enhances the gas sensing performance.

“I actually did not expect this, as other students did very well in their presentations. But when my name was announced as the 2nd prize winner, I was so happy and excited,” she said.

Furthermore, she would really like to thank her supervisor, who has always encouraged the students to participate in innovation competitions.

Fourteen students were shortlisted in the PhD category and presented in front of 5 distinguished judges.

The prize-giving ceremony was held at the Technology Park Malaysia and the top prizes were presented by the Deputy Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC), YB Puan Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah