UoC and Zelcos Biotech Sdn Bhd collaborate to push for biorefinery research advancement in Insect Farming and Biorefinery

University of Cyberjaya inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Zelcos Biotech Sdn Bhd for a research grant worth RM120,000 towards the advancement of insect biorefinery research on 8 February 2023. The collaboration is aimed at producing innovative bioproducts through the development of mealworm-based animal feeds by examining the effects of different diets on the nutritional composition of mealworms as well as the processing methods of mealworms.

This partnership would also mark significant knowledge exchange between the two institutions in terms of research as well as industry practices and intellectual property. Students at the University would also be able to gain in terms of not just valuable experience, but also internship and working opportunities.

The MoA signing ceremony was graced by Prof. Emeritus Dato' Dr. Mohamad Abdul Razak, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cyberjaya, Mr Lee Kah Hoe, Managing Director and Mr. Tan Choon Yee John, the Chief Executive Officer of Zelcos Biotech Sdn. Bhd., and Associate Professor Dr. Grrace Ng Hui Suan, Director of the University of Cyberjaya's Centre of Research and Graduate Studies.

"We are excited to collaborate with Zelcos Biotech Sdn. Bhd. on this exciting research project that will not only benefit our research centre through cross-industry information exchange but will also inspire our students with research work. Through this collaboration as well I hope we continue to provide holistic learning for all," former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cyberjaya, Prof. Emeritus Dato' Dr. Mohamad Abdul Razak remarked.

Meanwhile, Mr. John Tan Choon Yee said that the University of Cyberjaya’s expertise and resources together with the innovation and drive by Zelcos would ensure the success of the project. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the research team of University of Cyberjaya for their partnership and commitment to this project. I look forward to working with Associate Professor Dr Grrace Ng’s team and the university and seeing the fruits of our labor in the near future, as we provide a solution that not only helps the environment, but also ensures food safety for our country and the world.”

Based in Penang, Malaysia, Zelcos Biotech Sdn. Bhd. is a leading cosmetic research and manufacturing company that offers Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Original Design Manufacturer (ODM), and Private Label Services with Halal, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications.

The research collaboration will be led by Associate Professor Dr. Grrace Ng Hui Suan, Director of Centre of Research and Graduate Studies of University of Cyberjaya. University of Cyberjaya continues to enrich its research excellence in the industry through collaboration with industry players and leading knowledge in innovative research across the country and around the world.

This event contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: