Research Attachment Programme
Programme Details
The UTP Research Attachment Programme offers a research-based internship, providing students with hands-on experience under the supervision of UTP’s prominent researchers, utilizing cutting-edge facilities and resources
As a research student, you will:
- Embark your journey minimum of 8 weeks or more in UTP research centres
- Experience a global research-based internship with leading and prominent researchers.
- Supervised and led by prominent researchers and work in any of the cutting-edge research areas available at UTP.
- Have access to excellent research facilities (i.e. laboratories, equipment, software, etc.)
Upon successful completion of the research program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their efforts and contributions.
Programme Eligibility
- Open for active undergraduate or postgraduate student in their home institution with minimum CGPA of 2.75 or equivalent
- Fulfill English requirements (for non-English speaking countries):
i. A minimum IELTS score of 5.0 OR
ii. A minimum TOEFL PBT score 500 OR
iii. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 59 OR
iv. A minimum TOEFL CBT score of 173
- Financially stable and afford to support the whole cost incurred during the programme.
- Nominated by home institution with good disciplinary record.
- Demonstrated active participation in co-curricular, academic, or research activities.
Programme Period
| Semester | Intake/ Programme Commencement | Application Open | Application Close |
|---|
January | Starting January
| 1st September
(previous year) | 1st October
(previous year) |
|---|
| Starting March | 1st November
(previous year) | 1stDecember
(previous year) |
|---|
| May | Starting May | Star1st January | 1st February |
|---|
| Starting July
| 1st March | 1st April |
|---|
| September | Starting September
| 1st May | 1st June
|
|---|
| | Starting November
| 1st July | 1st August |
|---|
Application Process
STEP 1 – APPLYING THROUGH YOUR HOME UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
Application can be made through Home University's International Office or Mobility Coordinator and details shall be provided via email.
STEP 2 – SUPERVISOR
Find and secure placement with potential supervisor/ research centers - refer available topics below.
STEP 3 – SUBMIT APPLICATION
Submit all the required document for admission and Student Pass Visa application.
- Passport
- Nomination Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic Transcript
- English Proficiency Certificate
- Student Matric Card
- Passport Photo – Get photo verification via this link: EMGS Online Photo Checker & Guidelines
- Confirmation Letter
- EMGS Health Declaration Form
- Certificate/proof of document for COVID-19 vaccine (compulsory: minimum 2 doses or above)
Refer to Document Checklist & Guidelines and Sample of Required Document.
Please be informed that the application for Student Pass Visa will only be submitted to EMGS after the submission of required documents are completed by the student. The issuance of electronic Visa Approval Letter (VAL) might take 1 to 3 months after student submitted the complete documents including the proof of payment.
After receiving VAL, to enter Malaysia student shall obtain a Single Entry Visa (SEV) from the nearest Malaysian Commission and the issuance process is depending on the respected office operation. Therefore, please do not purchase flight ticket before obtaining the Visa Approval Letter (VAL).
STEP 4 – UTP RAP OFFER LETTER
UTP will review above documents and issue an offer letter to qualified applicant. Student shall choose the required medical insurance package and confirm acceptance.
Every student entering Malaysia using Student Pass Visa will be covered by a medical health insurance scheme under the applied Visa.
STEP 5 – VISA & PROGRAMME FEE
| Item | AC Room | Non-AC Room |
Admission Fee/ per entry
| USD 300
| USD 300 |
Programme Fee/ per week - Accommodation (twin sharing room)
- Post arrival Immigration's Visa processing fee
- Access to campus facilities & internet.
*Subject to modifications or updates as determined by UTP management.
|
USD 60 |
USD 50
|
Visa/ Student Mobility Pass Fee (Estimated for 2 months) - Cost may vary based on the selection of health insurance & duration of stay.
*Subject to modifications or updates as determined by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and Malaysia Immigration
|
USD 350
|
USD 350
|
Student to pay programme fee to UTP and pre-arrival student pass Visa fee to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
The cost may varies depending on duration of stay, type of accommodation and the preferred medical insurance package.
*Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated under the laws of Malaysia and wholly owned by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia to pocess the student's Visa application.
STEP 6 – APPROVAL FOR STUDENT PASS VISA APPLICATION
UTP will assist student in applying the student pass through EMGS. The student's documents will be reviewed twice then will be submitted to Immigration Malaysia to obtain the Visa Approval Letter (VAL).
STEP 7 – SINGLE ENTRY VISA
The student need to bring VAL to the nearest Malaysia Embassy Office/ Consulate to obtain Single Entry Visa (SEV) to get approval to enter Malaysia (depends on nationality).
STEP 8 - YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
Students with African nationality must ensure they have taken the yellow fever vaccine and require to bring the Vaccination Certificate to Malaysia.
STEP 9 – CONFIRMATION OF TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
Student to confirm travel arrangement, flight ticket details 2 weeks before departure to book UTP hostel room and transportation to UTP.
Any plan for extension of stay or changes of travel itinerary shall be informed before departure.
STEP 10 - POST-ARRIVAL MEDICAL SCREENING
Student is required to undergo a medical screening at EMGS nominated clinic within 7 days of arrival date.
STEP 11 – CONFIRMATION & CONVERSION OF STUDENT PASS VISA/MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA
Student to submit passport to UTP Student Mobility Office after pass the health screening.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you wish to cancel your participation, please email directly to coordinator your personal details such as Full Name, Home University, Passport Number, Telephone Number and state your valid reason(s).
Any cancellation without valid reason & less than 1 month prior to programme date is non-refundable
AVAILABLE RESEARCH TOPIC 2026
Business & Humanities
No.
| Research Topic
| Topic Area
| Project Description
| Supervisor Name
|
1
| Carbon Circular Economy (CCE): An Integrated Model Development and Implementation Towards Achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions
| Carbon Accounting
| This project highlights the countries’ endeavours towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions through several initiatives and policies, e.g. circular economy, tax increment, and green technology. However, countries still face huge challenges in mitigating carbon emissions sourced directly (Scope 1) or/indirectly (Scope 2 and 3). This issue motivates us to find further initiatives for APEC economies to guarantee a sustainable safety environment. This project aims to develop and implement an integrated model, Carbon Circular Economy (CCE) and Carbon Accounting (CA), to achieve net-zero carbon emissions through the 4Rs dimensions (reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove), specifically focusing on carbon and energy flows. These objectives should be delivered through research, seminars, and workshops, with further structural engagement with policymakers and top management in all manufacturing activities. The project involves collaboration with the Energy Working Group (EWG) to update human capital performance through economic and practical cooperation
| Dr Hussein Sharaf Addin
|
2
| Data Analytics for Business & Financial Decision Making
| Business & Finance Analytics
| Business & Finance Analytics is the systematic use of data, statistical methods, and analytical models to support informed decision-making in areas such as strategy, operations, risk management, and financial performance. It transforms historical and real-time data into actionable insights that help organisations anticipate outcomes, optimise resources, and improve competitiveness. A key element is Predictive Analytics, which uses historical data, statistical techniques, and machine-learning models to forecast future trends and behaviours. In business and finance, this includes demand forecasting, revenue and cash-flow prediction, credit risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer churn analysis—enabling proactive and data-driven decisions. Another important component is Association Rules Analytics, which focuses on discovering meaningful relationships and patterns among variables within large datasets. Commonly applied in customer behaviour analysis, product bundling, cross-selling, and spending pattern identification, association rules help organisations understand “what goes together” and uncover hidden insights that support pricing, marketing, and portfolio optimisation strategies. Together, predictive and association rules analytics strengthen business and financial decision-making by combining foresight with pattern discovery.
| Associate Prof Dr Maran Marimuthu
|
3
| Focuses on Understanding How Psychological, Social, and Contextual Factors Shape Human Decision-Making and Behavioural Change.
| Consumer Psychology, Servicer Marketing, and Behavioural Change
| My project examines how psychological, social, and contextual factors influence individual decision-making and behavioural change. Using experimental and survey-based methods, the study examines how individuals perceive, evaluate, and respond to stimuli at different decision stages. The findings aim to advance theoretical understanding and inform evidence-based interventions.
| Associate Prof Dr Ting Ding Hooi
|
Mechanical Engineering
No
| Research Topic
| Research Area
| Project Description
| Supervisor Name
|
1
| Solar Energy Technology - Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Solar Collectors
| Mechanical Engineering
| The Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Collector project focuses on developing a hybrid solar system that simultaneously generates electricity and captures useful thermal energy from sunlight, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of solar energy conversion. The collector integrates photovoltaic cells with a thermally conductive absorber and fluid channel to recover waste heat from the PV surface, improving electrical performance by reducing temperature rise and supplying low-grade thermal energy for domestic or industrial use. The design incorporates advanced materials to maximise heat transfer and system durability. Performance testing and characterisation will be conducted using a controlled solar simulator, allowing precise evaluation of thermal and electrical efficiencies under varying irradiance and flow conditions before outdoor deployment
| Prof Dato' Ts Dr
Kamaruzzaman
Sopian
|
Civil & Environmental Engineering
No
| Project Topic
| Project Area
| Project Description
| Supervisor Name
|
1
| Mechanism of Geopolymer Concrete Mix Design for Enhanced CO2 Absorption
| Materials Under Civil Engineering
| The process of introducing liquefied CO2 into sodium hydroxide (NaOH) presents a promising approach to both mitigating carbon emissions and enhancing the reactivity of geopolymer binders. This process promotes the in-situ formation of carbonate species, which can act as carbon sequestration while modifying the chemical characteristics of the activator. However, high concentrations of CO2 reduce the pH of NaOH solutions, weakening alkali activation and negatively affecting early-age strength and setting behaviour. The main challenge is to find the dosage level of CO2 to inject that sustains sufficient alkalinity for effective geopolymerization while maximising CO2 uptake. This optimum balance is particularly critical for fly ash–based geopolymers, where strength development is highly sensitive to activator chemistry. The lack of standardised design methods to manage this balance remains a major barrier to developing reliable CO2-based geopolymer systems. Addressing this challenge is critical for advancing geopolymers as sustainable alternatives to Ordinary Portland Cement. Optimising the NaOH - CO2 interaction directly influences both carbon sequestration capacity and the mechanical and durability performance of the binder. This research aims to define mix design parameters that define the optimum NaOH – CO2 interaction, thereby enhancing CO2 sequestration while ensuring the strength development and durability of fly ash–based geopolymer concrete | Ir Dr M Mubarak A Wahab |
2
| Investigation on Waste Tyre Metal Fibre as a Performance Modifier
| Materials in Civil Engineering Pavement | Repurposing old tyres as a component in conductive asphalt becomes possible. The utilisation of waste materials like waste tyres not only helps to achieve the desired conductivity and self-sensing capabilities in asphalt but also ensures that critical performance parameters, such as durability and structural integrity, are maintained. This approach holds the promise of reducing production costs and promoting environmental sustainability. By transforming waste into valuable resources, this innovation aligns with broader goals of the circular economy and green infrastructure development, making it a compelling avenue for future research and practical application. Hence, an in-depth parametric study needs to be carried out to explore the parameters and methods for making modified asphalt that should have enhanced electrical properties to achieve piezo resistivity and develop better correlations between electrical properties and mechanical performance of conductive asphalt, paving the way for its emerging intelligent/smart use in the pavement industry.
| Ir Dr M Mubarak A Wahab |
3
| Comparative Techno-Economic and Policy Evaluation of Ocean Carbon Removal Strategies (OCCU, Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement, Blue Carbon)
| Ocean Policy, Marine Sustainability, Techno-Economic Assessment
| This desktop study evaluates three major ocean carbon management approaches: Offshore Carbon Capture Units (OCCUs), Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Marine ecosystem restoration (seagrass/mangrove/kelp). The student conducts a rapid literature review, extracts cost and carbon removal efficiency factors, and constructs a multi-criteria comparison table using simple MCDA. The final output is a policy recommendation report benchmarking global strategies and identifying which has the best scalability for Southeast Asia and Europe. | Ap Ts Dr Ng Cheng Yee |
4
| Natural- Based Coagulant Extraction and Application in Water
| Environmental Engineering and Management
| The process of coagulation-flocculation is commonly practised in water treatment. Aluminium sulphate (alum) is mainly used in the water treatment process. However, it may pose a potential hazard to human health and environmental issues. A natural coagulant, which is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, has been developed as an alternative to overcome these issues. In this work, the preparation and application of natural coagulants for apply in drinking water treatment
| Ts Dr Ho Yeek Chia
|
5
| Design and Development of an Integrated Flood Mitigation Framework for Simulation, Assessment and Planning Using LiDAR, BIM, and Community Engagement | Civil and Environmental Engineering
| The proposed community faces increasing flood frequency and intensity due to a combination of rapid urban development, an ageing drainage system, and climate change. Traditional engineering-based flood management approaches have proven insufficient to address the complexities of modern flood risks. Current flood response strategies often fail to incorporate valuable local knowledge, leading to unoptimized mitigation measures and inadequate community preparedness. An effective, sustainable solution requires a comprehensive framework that integrates advanced geospatial and modelling technologies with active community participation to ensure measures are tailored to local needs and effectively implemented. | Associate Prof Ir. Dr Faizul Amri Bin Adnan |
6
| Impact of Biological Solids on Chemical Oxygen Demand in Wastewater
| Environmental
Engineering | Biological solids in wastewater effluent will cause the BOD, COD of the effluent to be increased. This study is to determine the impact of the solids on the COD or BOD of the wastewater.
| Prof Dr Shamsul Rahman Mohamed Kutty
|
7
| Concrete Supercapacitor for Potential Applications in Sustainable Building Industry | Sustainable Construction Materials
| A concrete supercapacitor is an emerging concept of energy storage that leverages the porosity of concrete in holding electrical energy in conductive materials. This technology aims to replace current electrical storage techniques. Also, it helps minimise carbon footprint for sustainable living. Carbon black is the main integral of the concrete supercapacitor. Currently, the developed concrete supercapacitor has limitations in power density and battery capacity in contrast to the conventional lithium-ion battery, limiting practical usages. This study will fill the gap in the research in relation to the utilisation of coarse aggregates as the electrolytic material and the utilisation of a larger size of concrete specimen that could maximise the energy density and mechanical characteristics. Hence, the objective of this research is to formulate a stable and highly conductive concrete mix specifically designed for concrete supercapacitor enhancement. Numerous concrete mix compositions are to be prepared with a focus on identifying the optimal proportion of carbon black to concrete through statistical analysis and optimisation techniques. A series of mechanical and electrical resistivity tests will be conducted on the proposed mixtures to evaluate and optimise each in terms of its mechanical strength and electrical performance. This includes investigating the microstructural network to optimise the continuous flow of current and achieve a fully percolated pore structure. A stable and highly conductive concrete capacitor is expected to be developed, capable of powering low-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with an operating voltage of approximately 1.5 to 2 volts and a current range of 100 to 750 mA. This could produce a viable concrete supercapacitor for potential applications in the sustainable building industry.
| Ir Dr M Mubarak B A Wahab
|
Electric & Electrical Engineering
No
| Research Topic
| Research Area
| Project Description
| Supervisor Name
|
1
| UAV-Based Framework for Estimating Rooftop Solar PV Capacity via DJI Mini Surveys
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering
| This project is focused on developing a UAV-based framework for assessing the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential of rooftops. With the global push towards renewable energy, the adoption of solar PV has become increasingly crucial for sustainable urban development. However, current rooftop solar assessments are often labour-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to measurement errors. Traditional methods require on-site surveys and manual calculations, which are not scalable for large urban areas. By leveraging the DJI Mini drone, this project aims to automate rooftop data acquisition and provide accurate estimations of available rooftop area and potential solar energy generation.
| Dr. Kishore Bingi
|
2
| FPGA-Based Hardware Realisation of a Hopfield Neural Network
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering
| Hopfield Neural Networks (HNNs) are recurrent neural models widely used for associative memory, optimisation, and pattern recognition. Recent research introduces enhanced Hopfield models with heterogeneous activation functions and complex dynamics such as chaos, transient states, and memristor-inspired adaptive behaviour. Implementing an HNN on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) enables high-speed, parallel, and energy-efficient computation, making it suitable for real-time optimisation or embedded neuromorphic systems.
| Dr. Kishore Bingi
|
3
| Real-Time 3D Mapping and Exploration of Unknown Indoor Environments with Informed RRT* Path Planner
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering
| Rapid generation of high-quality 3D maps in GPS-denied and unstructured indoor/outdoor environments is critical for search- rescue, infrastructure inspection, and robotics research. Classical coverage patterns waste time and cannot adapt to obstacles discovered during flight. Recent advances in onboard sensing and computing now allow small UAVs to perform autonomous exploration, but most existing systems still rely on offline maps or conservative grid patterns that explore already-known free space repeatedly. There is a clear need for intelligent, adaptive path-planning strategies that maximise new information gain while guaranteeing real-time collision avoidance in truly unknown and cluttered environments.
| Dr. Kishore Bingi
|
4
| Autonomous Navigation and Mapping Using RPLIDAR and ROS on the AlphaBot Mobile Robot
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering
| This project focuses on integrating the RPLIDAR sensor with the AlphaBot mobile robot platform, utilising the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework, to enable autonomous navigation and mapping in indoor environments. The AlphaBot, designed for control withRaspberry Pi and Arduino, provides a low-cost and flexible mobile robot base suitable for research and education. However, by default, it lacks advanced sensing capabilities for environmental perception. The RPLIDAR sensor, with its 360° laser scanning ability, is a proven solution for Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) and obstacle detection .Combining both systems allows the development of an intelligent robot capable of autonomous exploration, mapping, and navigation.
| Dr. Kishore Bingi
|
5
| Physical AI for Semantic-Aware Robot Locomotion in Dynamic Environments
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Robotics
| This project aims to develop Physical AI models capable of training robots to navigate and locomote efficiently in real-world environments. The approach integrates relational and semantic navigation, enabling robots not only to move mechanically but also to interpret spatial context and object relationships during motion. Experimentally, the project will combine simulation-based learning with physical robot trials. Robot locomotion policies will be trained using reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and trajectory adaptation, supported by scene-level semantic maps and relational graphs. Robots will perform tasks such as point-to-point navigation, obstacle avoidance, and semantic-aware goal reaching, e.g., “go to the nearest charging dock” or “navigate around human-occupied zones.” The research focuses on embodied intelligence, emphasising how locomotion and navigation strategies adapt when physical interaction, uncertainty, and environmental variations occur. Findings will contribute to robust, generalizable robot behaviours with improved safety, autonomy, and spatial awareness.
| Dr Ahmad Bukhari
|
6
| Prediction of Remnant Life of Power Transformers
| Electrical, Chemical
| This project focuses on developing a predictive model to estimate the remaining useful life (RUL) of power transformers based on their operational and condition monitoring data. The student will analyse key parameters such as insulation ageing, thermal performance, and historical failure patterns, and apply advanced techniques, such as machine learning or statistical modelling, to forecast transformer lifespan. The outcome will support asset management strategies by enabling proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of unexpected failures.
| Ir. Dr. Norazhar Bin Abu Bakar
|
7
| Intelligent Sensor Fusion Platform for Early Fault Detection and Predictive Diagnostics in Solar PV Systems
| Electrical, Chemical
| This project aims to develop an intelligent platform that integrates data from multiple sensors to enable early fault detection and predictive diagnostics in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. By applying sensor fusion techniques and advanced analytics, the system will improve reliability, optimise performance, and reduce downtime through proactive maintenance strategies.
| Ir. Dr. Norazhar Bin Abu Bakar
|
Chemical Engineering
No
| Research Topic
| Research Area
| Project Description
| Supervisor Name
|
1
| COSMO - RS Simulation for Selective Chemical Adsorption of Li from PW
| Chemical Simulation, Lithium Recovery, Produced Water, Critical Mineral Recovery, Ionic Liquid, Adsorption Technology
| Li is a critical mineral, particularly in battery production and green technology development. Besides conventional mining in salar and geothermal brine, Li can also be found from an unconventional source, particularly in produced water (PW). Due tothe enormous amount and variety of constituents found in PW (i.e emulsified oil, hydrocarbons, volatile compounds, salts), recovery of Li from PW can be challenging. This study proposes the development of novel chemicals for the recovery of Li from PW using quantum computational molecular screening method via Conductivity-like Screening Model for Realistic Solvents (COSMO-RS) software
| Ts Dr M Dzul Hakim Wirzal
|
2
| Valorisation of Coffee Waste as a Sustainable Bio-Based Leaching Agent for Rare Earth Element Extraction from Ion-Adsorption Clays
| Biomass Valorisation, Green Leaching Agent, Chemical Engineering
| This study focuses on evaluating the leaching capability of coffee waste-derived solutions for rare earth element (REE) extraction from ion-adsorption clays (IACs). The research will compare its performance with the conventional ammonium sulfate leaching system and investigate key parameters such as pH, temperature, contact time, and solid-to-liquid ratio to optimise the extraction efficiency. Through this, the project aims to establish a greener and more sustainable alternative to conventional REE leaching methods while promoting the valorisation of biomass waste.
| Ts Dr M Dzul Hakim Wirzal
|
3
| CO₂-Assisted Electrochemical Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Aqueous Solution via Controlled Carbonate Deposition
| Chemical Engineering (Electrochemical Process Engineering / Green Metallurgy)
| This project aims to develop a sustainable electrochemical process that couples CO₂ utilisation with rare earth element (REE) recovery from aqueous leachates. By introducing CO₂ into the electrolyte, the dissolved gas modulates local pH and facilitates controlled carbonate formation, enabling selective electrodeposition of REE carbonate species. The study will investigate how CO₂ flow rate, applied potential, and electrolyte composition affect deposition efficiency, morphology, and product purity. This research contributes to the emerging field of carbon–metal circular integration, offering a green alternative to traditional precipitation or solvent extraction methods for critical metal recovery.
| Ts Dr M Dzul Hakim Wirzal
|
4
| Tuning a Urea-NaCl Modified with Organic Acid for Selective REE Extraction from Ion-Adsorption Clays
| Green Hydrometallurgy/sOlvent design / Rare Earth Recovery
| This project aims to develop a sustainable, low-cost cost and low-toxicity leaching system based on a urea: NaCl modified with biodegradable organic acids such as citric or malic acid for the efficient extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from ion-adsorption clays. The acid-modified urea: NaCl DES is designed to enhance the solubilization and complexation of REE³⁺ ions under mild conditions while minimising dissolution of impurities such as Th. This research contributes to the advancement of green hydrometallurgy, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional inorganic acids and promoting the use of biodegradable, reusable solvents for sustainable REE recovery.
| Ts Dr M Dzul Hakim Wirzal
|
5
| Immobilisation of Novel Chemical in Nanofiber Membrane for Li Recovery
| Lithium Recovery, Produced Water, Critical Mineral Recovery, Ionic Liquid, Membrane Separation Technology
| Li is a critical mineral, particularly in battery production and green technology development. Besides conventional mining in salar and geothermal brine, Li can also be found from an unconventional source, particularly in produced water (PW). Due to the enormous amount and variety of constituents found in PW (i.e emulsified oil, hydrocarbons, volatile compounds, salts), recovery of Li from PW can be challenging. This study proposed the utilisation of novel chemicals for the recovery of Li from PW. The aforementioned novel chemical was screened through quantum computational molecular screening method via Conductivity like Screening Model for Realistic Solvents (COSMO-RS) software/ chemical from literature. Later, the chemical is immobilised in a nanofiber membrane to recover Li from PW.
| Ts Dr M Dzul Hakim Wirzal
|
6
| Time-Dependent Desorption Behaviour of Rare Earth Elements from Dowex Resin in Hydrochloric Acid Medium
| Hydrometallurgy and Separation Processes
| This project aims to optimise the desorption of rare earth elements (REEs) from Dowex ion-exchange resin using hydrochloric acid (HCl) as the eluent through a time-based sampling approach. By systematically varying contact time and acid concentration, the study will investigate the kinetics, efficiency, and selectivity of REE desorption under controlled conditions. Time-resolved data will be used to construct elution profiles and model the desorption mechanism, enabling identification of the optimal contact time and HCl concentration for maximum REE recovery while minimising resin degradation. The results will provide a clearer understanding of REE–resin interactions and contribute to improving acid-based separation efficiency in hydrometallurgical recovery processes.
| Ts Dr M Dzul Hakim WIrzal
|
7
| Effect of Ionic Liquids on The Electrolytes in Seawater Electrolysis
| Chemical Engineering, Hydrogen Production
| Anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis uses a semipermeable membrane to conduct hydroxide ions (OH−) during water electrolysis. AEM electrolysis operates in an alkaline environment, which enables the use of non-noble, low-cost catalysts based on elements such as Ni, Fe, Co, Mn, and Cu. Seawater electrolysis has been a focus of interest for green hydrogen production; however, it faces significant challenges, notably the chlorine evolution reaction (CER), which occurs at the anode due to chloride anions in seawater and competes with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To overcome these challenges, new systems must be developed. There is a need to design robust and efficient electrocatalysts that are resistant to chloride corrosion and precipitate formation on the electrode surface, while maintaining high performance for hydrogen production. In this work, nickel-based catalysts will be studied as electrocatalysts, and ionic liquids will be incorporated into the electrolyte to investigate their effects on conductivity and the formation of a protective layer over the electrocatalyst. The goal is to evaluate the influence of ionic liquids on electrolyte conductivity, hydrogen production performance, and overall system stability.
| Dr Wan Zaireen Nisa Yahya
|
Geoscience
No
| Research Topic
| Research Area
| Project Description
| Supervisor Name
|
1
| Genesis and Distribution of Heavy Metals and Rare Earth Elements in Placer Sediments
| Geosciences and Geology
| The development of environmental, health, and resource management greatly depends on the discovery of heavy metals and rare earth elements (REEs) in placer sediments. Heavy metal and rare earth element levels can be studied and recorded thanks to Malaysia's unique geological setting. Other locations with comparable features around the world might find this information helpful. Perak, Malaysia, was identified as a key study case for heavy metals and rare earth elements in placer sediments, which are recognised as significant hosts (Kumar, 2023). According to reports, placer sediments containing rare earth elements and heavy metals may be harmful to both the environment and human health (Jayasinghe et al., 2024). Because so little is known about their location and activities, it is challenging to effectively manage these risks. The presence of rare earth elements and heavy metals in Malaysia's placer sediments has sparked worries about the potential effects on the local population's health and the environment. A lack of understanding of the distribution and concentration of elements makes management challenging, resulting in inadequate mitigation and resource underutilization (Zhao, 2023). We can determine where placer sediments end up and how they get there by knowing where they come from and how they accumulate. This makes it simpler to predict their potential distribution and environmental effects. Using spatial modelling techniques and geochemical analysis, we provide a thorough evaluation of their concentrations and probable sources. To determine the level of pollution, the study will employ the enrichment factor (EF), risk assessment, and the index of geoaccumulation (Igeo). The information will be used to identify specific solutions and methods of extraction that are beneficial to the economy and environment. By establishing standards in comparable areas, this comprehensive approach assists legislators in crafting better legislation and aids local communities in coping with the negative impacts of heavy metal and REE contamination. This entails establishing baselines, comparing data from around the world, verifying standards, applying sophisticated analysis, continuously monitoring the situation, and effectively managing risks.
| AP. Dr Numair Ahmed Siddiqui
|
2
| Enhancing Mapping for Courses with GIS Data and Drone Mapping
| Geosciences
| Traditional geological mapping methods often face limitations due to accessibility challenges, safety concerns, and resource constraints. Students struggle to gain hands-on experience in diverse terrains, leading to gaps in practical knowledge and spatial understanding. The integration of GIS data and drone mapping is transforming geological education by providing immersive, interactive learning experiences. This innovative approach enhances spatial understanding, engagement, and safety, allowing students to explore and analyse geological terrains that were previously inaccessible. The primary objective of this initiative is to incorporate GIS and drone mapping into geological education for AR studies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application through high-resolution 3D models and immersive augmented environments.
| AP. Dr Numair Ahmed Siddiqui
|
3
| Natural Gas Reservoir Characterisation Using Geostatistical Solutions
| Petroleum Geology
| This project focuses on advanced geostatistical solutions for characterising heterogeneity in natural gas reservoirs. Students will work with well logs, core data, and seismic attributes to perform variogram analysis, stochastic simulation, and machine learning–assisted facies/petrophysical modelling. Tasks include data processing, 3D reservoir model building, uncertainty assessment, and supporting publication outputs. Suitable for students in petroleum geoscience, geology, reservoir engineering, or data science.
| Dr Akm Eahsanul Haque
|
4
| Improving Petrophysical Properties Prediction for CO₂ Storage Using Machine Learning
| Petrophysics, Machine Learning, Petroleum Geoscience, Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS), Reservoir Characterisation
| This project aims to develop and evaluate machine learning (ML) models to improve the prediction of key petrophysical properties relevant to CO₂ storage, such as porosity and permeability. The student will use available well-log data to train and compare different ML algorithms, applying preprocessing steps such as log normalisation, feature selection, and data quality checks. The study will assess model performance using appropriate evaluation metrics and interpret how predicted petrophysical properties influence CO₂ injectivity and storage capacity. The outcome will provide an improved workflow for data-driven reservoir characterisation in early-stage CO₂ storage screening.
| AP Dr Moh. Elsaadany
|
5
| Integrated Reservoir Characterisation for Estimating CO₂ Storage Capacity in a Reservoir, Malay Basin
| Geosciences and CCU
| This project focuses on evaluating the suitability of a subsurface sandstone reservoir for long-term carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage through an integrated geological and petrophysical characterisation approach. The student will analyse well log data to determine key reservoir properties such as lithology, porosity, water saturation, and net-to-gross ratio. These results will be combined with structural maps and formation tops to define the reservoir geometry and areal extent. Using these inputs, the student will construct a simplified static reservoir model and perform volumetric calculations to estimate the potential CO₂ storage capacity under typical reservoir pressure and temperature conditions.
| Dr. Numair & Dr. Elsaadany
|
Fundamental & Applied Science
No
| Research Topic
| Research Area
| Project Description
| Supervisor Name
|
1
| Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) for Hydrogen Yield Prediction from Food Waste
| Data-Driven Modelling/
Sustainable Energy Systems
| This project focuses on predicting hydrogen yield from food waste using a Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN). Unlike conventional data-driven models, the PINN integrates experimental data with simplified physical and biochemical constraints governing the hydrogen production process, ensuring physically consistent and robust predictions.
| Ts. Dr. Yaman Hamed
|
Computer & Information Science
No
| Research Topic
| Research Area
| Project Description
| Supervisor Name
|
1
| A Secure Textual Information Fusion for Inter-Hospitals using Blockchain
| Healthcare, Natural Language Processing, Blockchain
| Despite the widespread use of digital devices in hospitals, integrating large, diverse data from different sources remains a challenge. Traditional techniques are insufficient to handle this volume and variety of data, necessitating the use of data fusion methods [1]. However, there are concerns regarding the security and privacy of sharing this information between hospitals, patients, doctors, and the Ministry of Health (MoH). Sharing data via multiple channels poses security risks and 2 / 9 increases the possibility of electronic health records (EHR) leaks [10–12]. Blockchain technology has the potential to address these challenges [8], yet its adoption in hospitals remains limited [10]. Therefore, this research proposes a framework to fuse heterogeneous EHR data from disparate sources using blockchain to facilitate secure and efficient data sharing among hospitals. The findings of this research can contribute to the development of a secure and efficient hospital data-sharing network by addressing challenges in integrating heterogeneous textual data and leveraging blockchain for secure information fusion. The outcome will assist stakeholders, institutes, and the MoH in managing and accessing data responsibly. This research supports Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting secure, intelligent, and inclusive healthcare data infrastructure. The expected outcome of the STIRF grant is to address research gaps, leading to writing bigger local and international research grants. And also a comprehensive investigation of the state-of-the-art in the area.
| Dr Ganesh Kumar
|
2
| Precision Agriculture/
Aquaculture with Federated Learning Approach
| AIoT, Cloud Computing, Recommender System
| This project explores the integration of Federated Learning (FL) into Precision Agriculture and Aquaculture to optimise resource management and productivity while ensuring data privacy. By utilising decentralised data across various farms and aquaculture sites, FL enables collaborative model training without centralising sensitive data. The research aims to develop machine learning models that improve crop yield, water quality, feeding practices, and overall efficiency in both fields. This approach provides a privacy-preserving, scalable solution for enhancing sustainable practices in agriculture and aquaculture.
| AP Ts Dr Cheng Wai Khuen
|
3
| Privacy-Preserving Digital Twins
| AI and Cybersecurity with Health Informatics
| Healthcare is a great example. Suppose a hospital uses patient digital twins for treatment simulations. You could implement homomorphic encryption or differential privacy so the twin can be analysed by AI doctors without exposing sensitive patient data.
| AP Dr Fasee Ullah
|
4
| AI-Assisted Onboard Airline Passenger Food/Beverages Distribution Management System
| IT/IS/AI
| To develop an AI-based real-time application that can be used by the aeroplane cabin passengers to select their preferred food/beverages to help the cabin crew distribute the orders accurately made by the passengers. This is to radically change the current inefficient ways that the cabin crew use to serve the passengers during the food/beverage distribution flow.
| AP Dr Low Tang Jung
|
5
| Hololens 2 Digital Twin
| Mixed Reality, Computer Vision, 3D Modelling
| The student will implement a digital twin on HoloLens hardware. The digital twin to be implemented is a virtual model of a physical machine or device. The machine will be modelled using Houdini and Blender and integrated into66 Unity 3D. Computer Vision will be incorporated to enable the digital model to incorporate changes in the actual machine.
| Dr Nordin Zakaria
|
6
| Computer Vision on Vuzix Smart Glass
| Smart Glass, Computer Vision
| To integrate and optimise computer vision in Vuzix smart glass. The main challenge is the low computational capacity in Vuzix; students will assist in experimentingwith strategies to run computer vision code effectively on the platform.
| Dr Nordin Zakaria
|
7
| Aeroplane Onboard Food & Beverage Management System
| Mobile Apps Development
| A mobile app with AI elements to radically change the F&B management onboard the aeroplane. That is, to effectively/efficiently manage the F&B distribution flow processes in an aeroplane.
| AP Dr Low Tang Jung
|
8
| Mixed Reality Training on HoloLens for BlueROV2
| Virtual/Augmented Reality, Computer Vision
| The intern will first familiarise themselves with the BlueROV2, specifically on how to set it up for deployment and on how to maintain and fix it. The intern will then develop an interactive Unity-based 3D model of the BlueROV2 to be deployed in Hololen2. The application will guide end-users on various operations related to the setup and maintenance of the device. A Computer Vision module will gauge uthe ser's technical proficiency. An intern may choose to specialise in the Computer Vision part.
| Dr Nordin Zakaria
|
9
| A Study and Development of Lightweight Quantum-Resistant Secure IoT Protocol
| Computer Science, Quantum cCryptography, IoT, Communication Protocol, Cybersecurity
| To study, design, and evaluate a lightweight quantum-resistant secure communication protocol for resource-constrained IoT systems, balancing security, performance, and energy efficiency.
| Associate Prof Ts. Dr. Mohd Anuaru
ddin Ahmadon
|
10
| AI and IoT
| Distributed Systems
| This project focuses on building a simple IoT system to monitor environmental conditions. Sensor data is collected and analyzed using basic AI techniques to detect unusual or abnormal patterns. The project covers sensor prototyping, IoT platform development, and basic data analytics. Students may choose to focus on the area that best matches their interests.
| Ts. Dr. Ooi Boon Yaik
|
Coordinator for Research Attachment Programme
Iffah Mehat
Call: (+6) 05 368 8397
Email: iffah.mehat@utp.edu.my
Khairul Anam Che Mat
Call: (+6) 05 368 8398
Email : khairulanam.chemat@utp.edu.my
