Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) celebrates the achievement of Associate Professor Ir Ts Dr Serene Lock Sow Mun from the Department of Chemical Engineering, who has received the prestigious The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Young Engineer Award 2026. The IEM Young Engineer Award recognises outstanding engineers below the age of 40 who have demonstrated significant contributions to the engineering profession through technical achievement, innovation, leadership, and societal impact.
The award, one of the highest recognitions presented to emerging engineering leaders in Malaysia, was presented during the Institution’s Annual General Meeting at Wisma IEM, Petaling Jaya, by IEM President Ir. Professor Dr. Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin. It has been given in recognition of her contributions to sustainable engineering research, education, professional leadership, and innovation-driven technology development.
Dr Serene, a chemical engineering academic and researcher, is widely recognised for her impactful work in sustainable process engineering, carbon capture technologies, hydrogen and energy systems, and advanced engineering simulation. Over the years, she has led and collaborated in numerous high-impact research and innovation projects. Her research has contributed significantly toward advancing low-carbon technologies and sustainable industrial solutions aligned with Malaysia’s environmental and energy transition agenda.
Beyond research excellence, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment toward engineering education and professional capacity building. Her leadership within the engineering fraternity is reflected through her active involvement in the IEM, particularly through initiatives supporting professional development, women engineers, sustainability advocacy, and engineering outreach programmes.
Previously, in March 2026, she has also just won the MDPI Young Woman in Engineering Award, an award that celebrates the achievements of young women investigators in the field of engineering. These recognitions further strengthen UTP’s standing as a globally respected centre of excellence in impactful research and innovation, driving transformative solutions to critical global challenges while championing a more sustainable and resilient future.
