Microalgae Biota Technology & Innovation Research Group-ALBIC

26/02/2026

26/02/2026

ALBIC Explores Strategic Collaboration with Haesan Group Sdn. Bhd. in Microalgae Research

The ALBIC team, represented by Prof. Ts. Dr. Razif Harun and Ts. Dr. Irina, was recently invited to visit the microalgae facility of Haesan Group Sdn. Bhd. in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. The visit marks a significant step toward strengthening academia–industry collaboration in the field of microalgae research and development.

The purpose of the visit was to explore potential areas of cooperation, including joint research initiatives, technology development, and innovation in microalgae-based applications. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable biotechnology solutions and enhancing industry-driven research outcomes.

ALBIC is currently in the final stages of formalizing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Haesan Group Sdn. Bhd. The agreement will formalize collaborative microalgae-related research projects, fostering knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and potential commercialization opportunities.
This strategic partnership is expected to drive impactful research advances, support talent development, and contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s bio-based industry.

Both parties expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and look forward to building a dynamic, productive partnership that bridges academic expertise with industrial capabilities.

19/02/2026

Alhamdulillah, 2025 has been a full and meaningful year for ALBIC. Many memories, many lessons.

Thank you to everyone who supported, collaborated, trusted and believed in what we are building together.

Slowly but surely, we move forward. 🌱
On to 2026, insyaAllah.

19/02/2026

Throwback to our ALBIC 2026 strategic plan discussion.

Simple session, big goals ahead. Watch out for new updates soon.

Salam Ramadan & Selamat Berpuasa to all 🤍🌙

19/02/2026

Missed our webinar? 🌱

The recording is now available.

Great sharing from Europe and SEA on IMTA, seaweed and microalgae systems.

Through its involvement in the EU Horizon Europe INNOAQUA project, and in partnership with the Microalgae-Biota Technology and Innovation Research (ALBIC), U...

28/01/2026

Nurturing Future Bio-Innovators! 🌿🔬🌊

ALBIC is thrilled to celebrate the success of the Biology Awareness Project (BAP 9.0) 2026, organised by Dr Shahrizim Zulkifly from UPM’s Department of Biology. On 13 January, we welcomed 76 enthusiastic students from Kolej Matrikulasi Melaka (KMM) and Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan (KMNS) to explore "Aqua Origins: Discovering Life's First Innovators".

As champions of microalgae-biota research, we were inspired to see our Phycology undergraduates passing the torch to the next generation. The programme went beyond textbooks with immersive activities:

✅ EcoDiscoveries: Exploring algae’s role in sustainability. ✅ Algae Seek & Scope: Hands-on microscopy with live specimens. ✅ Seaweed Sprint: A gamified challenge testing critical thinking.

This initiative mirrors ALBIC’s mission to drive sustainable innovation. By introducing pre-university students to aquatic biology now, we are empowering the future researchers who will tackle global challenges in energy and agriculture.

We look forward to welcoming these bright minds to the UPM science community soon. 🎓

20/01/2026

*Algae-Based Innovation for Next-Level Aquaculture*
Discover how ALGAE are reshaping aquaculture into a climate-smart, circular, and high-value system.

📅 11 February | ⏰ 08:30–11:30 (CET)
💻 Online (Microsoft Teams)

✅ Real pilot & near-commercial case studies
✅ Europe & Southeast Asia experts
✅ Panel discussion + live Q&A

🎯 For researchers, industry players & policymakers
👉 Free to attend | Register now
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/.../3b119a43-db34-46f2...

Organized by
🌍 EU Horizon Europe – INNOAQUA Project
In partnership with Microalgae Biota Technology & Innovation Research Group-ALBIC, UPM and ICAMB, UMT

09/12/2025

ALBIC UPM is pleased to announce the successful completion of a consultation project with Tenaga Nasional Berhad Research (TNBR). The project, led by Dr. Shahrizim Zulkifly and Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Razif Harun involved the evaluation of microalgae-based systems and the development of technical recommendations for sustainable innovation.
This collaboration marks an important step toward strengthening academia–industry partnerships and supporting innovation in Malaysia’s sustainable technology sector.
Thank you to TNBR for the trust and cooperation. We look forward to future collaborations that advance national research and innovation.

15/11/2025

🌱✨ JOIN OUR SPECIAL MICROALGAE WEBINAR! ✨🌱

We are excited to announce that Prof. Dr. Natrah Ikhsan, Head of the Department of Aquaculture and Lead of ALBIC – Microalgae Biota Technology & Innovation Research Group (UPM), will be one of the keynote speakers in this upcoming event! 🌟

🎤 Prof. Natrah’s Talk:
“Introduction of QSI Producing Bacteria to Boost Microalgal Growth in Photobioreactors”

⸻

WEBINAR: Cultivating Wellness – Microalgae from Bench to Business
🗓 Monday, 17 November 2025
⏰ 13:30 – 16:00 WIB
📍 Hybrid: Ruang Seminar Lt. 3 SITH ITB & via Zoom

The webinar also features:
🔹 Diana Nilawati, Principal Scientist, PT Evergen Resources

🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/WebinarTKM
📩 E-certificates will be provided to all participants

Join us to explore how microalgae innovations are driving the future of food, feed, and biotechnology.

See you there! 🌊🌿

05/11/2025

🎉 Congratulations!
Three of our members have been elected to the MFS Committee 2025–2027 🎉

👏 Dr. Zarirah Zulperi — Secretary
👏 Dr. Norulhuda Mohamed Ramli — Treasurer
👏 Dr. Azfar Ismail — Executive Committee Member

We’re so proud of their achievement and contribution to advancing Malaysia’s fisheries and aquaculture community! 🌿💧

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐅𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕!✨✨

As we begin this new chapter, let’s work together to grow, unite,
and make a real impact. Let’s continue the legacy of the Malaysia Fisheries Society and make this year one to remember. If you're interested in becoming a member, feel free to register through the MFS website!

05/11/2025

Cyclotella meneghiniana: Tiny Algae with Big Ecological Roles

Scanning electron micrograph of Cyclotella meneghiniana, showing its silica frustule structure. © Azaman et al., 2023.

It may be microscopic, but Cyclotella meneghiniana is full of potential! Under the microscope, this diatom looks like delicate glass beads, thanks to its silica shell. But beyond its beauty, it holds exciting promise for science, sustainability, and industry.

🔬 Natural Water Cleaner
This species can absorb heavy metals and pollutants from its surroundings, making it a natural bio-indicator of water quality. Imagine harnessing algae to help monitor, even clean up our rivers and lakes.

🌟 Source of Valuable Pigments
Cyclotella meneghiniana produces fucoxanthin, a golden antioxidant pigment with huge commercial interest. Fucoxanthin has been linked to anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer properties, and is already being explored for nutraceuticals, skincare, and cosmetics.

🐟 Supporting Aquaculture & Food Security
As part of the phytoplankton community, this diatom forms the foundation of aquatic food webs, feeding fish and shellfish. Cultivating it could help boost aquaculture productivity, providing more sustainable feeds for the future.

🧪 Inspiring Technology
Its intricate silica frustules are not just beautiful, they inspire innovation in nanotechnology and materials science, where scientists study their structure for new designs in optics, filtration, and even energy applications.

🌱 Looking Ahead
With its resilience and versatility, Cyclotella meneghiniana is more than just an algae under the microscope. It’s a microscopically for a sustainable future: helping us keep our waters clean, develop natural products, and inspire new technologies.

Reference:
1. Azaman, S. N. A., Yusoff, F. M., & Abd Rahim, N. M. (2023). Growth and morphological features of locally isolated microalgae Cyclotella and Pavlova. Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 19(2), 73-84.
2. Chinnappan, S., Cai, J., Li, Y., Yang, Z., Sheng, Y., Cheng, K., Du, H., Liu, W., & Li, P. (2024). Light and nutrient conditions influence fucoxanthin production of the microalgae Cyclotella meneghiniana. Applied Sciences, 14(13), 5504.

Prepared by:
Dr. Siti Nor Ani Azaman

03/11/2025

Coming soon! Save the date!👩‍🔬👨‍🔬

[ 📌 Save the date - Online event 📅 ]

🌱 Algae-based innovation for next-level combined aquaculture production 🐟

📌 ONLINE
📅 Wednesday, 11 February 2026
⏰ 08:30–11:30 CET

Through its involvement in the EU Horizon Europe INNOAQUA Project, and in partnership with the Microalgae-Biota Technology and Innovation Research (ALBIC), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology (ICAMB), Malaysia Terengganu (UMT/ UMT - Universiti Malaysia Terengganu), the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) is organising a special online event that will focus on combined plant and animal aquaculture production technologies.

Research on the production of macro- and micro- algae is global, and there is increasing interest in how algal production can be coupled with aquaculture production in more intensive (land-based) systems to enhance climate resilience of systems, optimise resource efficiency and circularity and produce “enhanced” algal extracts that have potential in food and non-food applications.

This short, focussed event will showcase examples of production systems at pilot or near full scale production from Europe and SE Asia and will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A that will discuss concept approaches, pilot successes and upscaling issues.

Its principal objective is to share experience with experts on systems, methods, species, approaches and target end-products – paving the way for future cooperation and partnership.

It is the first of two events – the second focusing more on algal extracts and their potential applications.

🔜 More information & registration link coming soon.