USM PENANG, 22 March 2025 – A Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) academic recently visited Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) in India as part of a research project.

The research project, funded by the ASEAN-India Science, Technology & Innovation Cooperation under the Government of India's Ministry of External Affairs and the Department of Science & Technology, aims to explore environmentally friendly methods for extracting energy-critical elements such as copper from electronic waste.

Associate Professor Dr. Japareng Lalung from the USM School of Industrial Technology, was there as part of the ASEAN joint collaborative project titled "(Bio)hydrometallurgical Impact Assessment on the Extraction of Energy Critical Element - Cu from Waste Printed Circuit Boards."

The visit which took place from 28 February to 13 March 2025 was a significant milestone in fostering research collaboration between ASEAN and India in the field of biotechnology and sustainable technology.

This collaboration involves the GBU Faculty of Industrial Biotechnology and the USM School of Industrial Technology.

The grant principal investigator, Associate Professor Dr. Sudheer Pamidimarri from GBU, leads the initiative, with Dr. Sandeep Panda from GBU and Japareng as key researchers.

During his visit to GBU, Japareng was involved in multiple discussions with faculty members as well as postgraduate students at GBU to explore potential academic and research collaborations in the fields of biotechnology and environmental sustainability.

Japareng also toured the university’s state-of–the-art laboratories and facilities to assess potential experiments and advanced biotechnological studies that could be conducted there in relation to the above-mentioned research project.

He took the opportunity to attend multiple scientific talks at GBU. The university invites speakers daily to create an intellectually stimulating environment for diverse ideas and innovative research findings to be explored. The platform has provided opportunities for continuous learning and scientific engagement at GBU.

In addition, he presented a talk titled Toxin-Producing Cyanobacteria: From Global Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and Human Health to Potential Solutions in Biodiesel, Plastic Degradation, and Skincare, which explored the potential biotechnological applications of cyanobacteria, highlighting its role in sustainable energy production, environmental conservation, and the skincare industry.

His GBU hosts also saw it fit to get him to experience the university’s Cultural Week and Founding Day celebrations, a tour of some historic sites and savour the local cuisines in the surrounding areas.

Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) in India is the World’s First Biotechnology University, spread over a 28-acre campus near GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Funded by the Government of Gujarat’s Department of Science & Technology, GBU has, at its core, a culture of excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

"The visit to GBU was incredibly fruitful. The academic discussions, lab visits, and cultural experiences have enriched my perspective on biotechnology research and sustainable practices. I am truly grateful to my hosts for their hospitality and I look forward to my next visit later this year," said Japareng.

With promising research collaborations and cultural exchanges paving the way for future engagements, this visit marks the beginning of a long-lasting partnership between the two institutions.

Text: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Japareng Lalung, School of Industrial Technology, USM/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin