JOHOR BARU: IN the ever-evolving landscape of education and innovation, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Ir Ts Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, stands as a beacon of inspiration and progress.
With the philosophy that "Challenges will drive us to look for a greater solution," firmly etched in his mind, Ahmad Fauzi, 57, has become a trailblazer in the field of science and technology.
Ahmad Fauzi was awarded the prestigious 2023 Mustafa Prize in Isfahan, Iran, on Oct 2.
This recognition made him the first Malaysian to receive this biennial international honour since it was introduced in 2015 by the Mustafa Science and Technology Foundation in Iran.
The membrane technology breakthrough
At the core of his achievements lies his unwavering passion for science and research.
His dedication and commitment have even earned him the distinction of being the first Vice-Chancellor to be bestowed with the Mustafa Prize, a testament to his remarkable contributions to the field.
Fundamentally, Ahmad Fauzi's research focus encompasses polymer development, non-organic materials, and mixed matrix membranes.
His pioneering work in membrane technology has far-reaching implications, including desalination of seawater, water and wastewater treatment, gas separation processes, palm oil filtration, polymer electrolyte membrane production for fuel cells, and the development of membranes for haemodialysis.
"I started getting interested in membrane research when I continued my Master's studies in UTM from 1991 to 1992. It was then, that my study tested the hierarchical membrane structures for various applications, and it provided effective results and benefited various related industries.
"We found that, if membranes have the capacity to desalinate water or seawater, or separate gases like removing carbon dioxide from methane or natural gas, we could also look into potentially developing a membrane technology that could assist patients with kidney failure.
"Together with my research team, we worked on this study for nearly 25 years at the Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), UTM Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, to develop a membrane technology for these purposes.
"
Alhamdulillah
, now it is bearing fruit," he said, also mentioning that his research has garnered attention in China and Iran for commercialisation.
Ahmad Fauzi's journey into the world of science and technology began at an early age.
Growing up in Kelantan and Melaka, his childhood curiosity was fuelled by a deep-seated interest in science. His journey led him to pursue higher education, culminating in a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering at UTM.
He received the prestigious Commonwealth Academic Staff Scholarship, enabling him to complete his PhD at the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom in less than three years.
The Mustafa Prize, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for OIC scientists," has further elevated his status in the world of science and technology.
This award acknowledges outstanding contributions by scholars and researchers in the Islamic world, spanning various categories, including information and communication technology, medical and life sciences, nanotechnology, and other fields related to science and technology.
Ahmad Fauzi's remarkable journey doesn't end here.
He has garnered numerous accolades for his contributions to membrance technology, such as the Malaysia Toray Science & Technology Foundation Award, the Anugerah Akademik Negara for Innovation & Commercialisation in 2013 and has been twice recognised as the winner of the National Innovation Award in the Waste to Wealth Category and the National Intellectual Property Patent Category.
Rizalman, [8/11/2023 10:53 AM]
His list of accomplishments also includes the Asean Young Scientist and Technologists Award, the Malaysia Young Scientist Award, the Merdeka Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement, the IChemE Malaysia Innovator of the Year Award in 2014, and The World Academy of Sciences Prize in 2020.
UTM's commitment to
innovation
Ahmad Fauzi's desire for UTM to make a lasting impact has led to the introduction of "Innovating Solutions" as UTM's tagline. It perfectly complements UTM's philosophy, "Kerana Tuhan untuk Manusia" ("In the Name of God for mankind").
As the Vice-Chancellor he encourages a culture of innovation and problem-solving, highlighting UTM's commitment to "Innovating Solutions in the Name of God for mankind."
Inspiring the next generation
Ahmad Fauzi remains focused on inspiring the younger generation to pursue science and technology. He believes that the challenges in these fields can be overcome with the right guidance and mentorship.
"We need role models in the field of science and technology because numerous reports show that the current generation is not interested in science. They find this field difficult. That's why we need to promote more
'icons'
in this field, showcase the experts, and give them attention through mass media to attract the interest of the younger generation.
"What I am doing now is attracting and bringing as many of my students as possible to delve into scientific and technological research. I provide one-on-one guidance on what needs to be done," he said, emphasising that as an academic it is his duty to impart knowledge, expertise, and placing his students as the primary focus.
In the near future, Ahmad Fauzi's ultimate hope is for the membrane technology developed under his guidance to serve the community, especially in the field of haemodialysis.
He envisions that this technology, developed in Malaysia, will receive the recognition and support it deserves, ensuring that the country benefits from the innovations he and his team have nurtured.
"My team and I have developed a membrane technology especially for haemodialysis to be of assistance for those affected, we hope for it to be commercialised to aid kidney patients, especially in Malaysia," he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fauzi also expressed his gratitude to his family; the research team at AMTEC and the ministries in Malaysia, especially the Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation and Education Ministries for their strong support.
His remarkable journey serves as a testament to what can be achieved when passion, dedication, and innovation are combined.
