Dr Choong presenting her research findings at the conference.
What if the discarded trunk of a banana plant could help power the future? While most people see banana trunks as agricultural waste destined for landfills, Dr Choong Shiau Huai, Assistant Professor from the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FOAS), saw an opportunity to transform them into a sustainable solution for clean energy. Her innovative research earned her the Gold Medal Recognition at DiFoSSA 2026, in conjunction with the 8thInternational Conference and Postgraduate Colloquium of Environmental Research (POCER) 2026.
"This research focuses on converting discarded banana plant trunks into a reusable solid catalyst that transforms waste fats into clean biodiesel fuel. Instead of allowing agricultural waste to rot in landfills, we convert it into a high-value material that supports green energy production. It is an integrated solution that addresses agricultural waste management while contributing to the global transition towards renewable energy," explained Dr Choong.
The idea stemmed from a simple observation that banana plants bear fruit only once before the entire trunk is cut down and discarded, producing large amounts of underutilised biomass. Recognising the untapped potential of this carbon-rich waste, Dr Choong and her team developed a method to convert it into biochar, which serves as the foundation of an environmentally friendly catalyst. "We recognised that this agricultural waste is often left to decompose, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By upcycling banana trunks into a reusable catalyst support, we are turning an environmental problem into a valuable resource for sustainable fuel production," she said.
Biochar catalyst synthesised from discarded banana trunks and the resulting biodiesel product developed by Dr Choong's research team.
Unlike conventional biodiesel production, which relies on liquid chemical catalysts that generate hazardous waste and corrode industrial equipment, the team's solid catalyst can be easily recovered and reused. This reduces chemical waste, lowers energy consumption and makes the overall production process cleaner and more sustainable. By utilising freely available agricultural waste, the technology also reduces production costs, making biodiesel a more economically viable renewable energy source.
Looking ahead, Dr Choong hopes to expand the research beyond the laboratory. "Our next step is to evaluate the catalyst's long-term performance, scale up the production process and test it using alternative waste feedstock. We also hope to connect our green chemistry framework with broader sustainable waste management practices, creating a circular economy model that turns agricultural bypass into long-term socioeconomic value,” she said.
Having shared all these, Dr Choong believes the project resonated with the judges because it demonstrated how practical scientific innovation can address real-world environmental challenges. "I believe the judges appreciated how the project aligns agricultural waste management with Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy. They also recognised that a simple optimisation in producing the biochar catalyst can significantly improve its performance, showing that practical, low-cost innovations can make a meaningful contribution to green technology," she remarked.
Student and graduate researchers also played a significant role in the project, participating in catalyst synthesis, laboratory testing and product analysis under the guidance of FOAS researchers. "At FOAS, we actively involve students in faculty-led research projects using modern laboratory facilities. This hands-on experience enables them to contribute to impactful scientific discoveries while developing solutions to real-world environmental challenges," added Dr Choong.
In addition to receiving the Gold Medal Recognition, Dr Choong also served as a Session Chair and Poster Evaluation Judge during POCER 2026. "It was a deeply rewarding experience to engage with researchers from around the world, support emerging scholars and facilitate meaningful scientific discussions. These opportunities reinforced the importance of international collaboration in advancing sustainable research," she said.
The 8th International Conference and Postgraduate Colloquium of Environmental Research (POCER) 2026 was held from 8 – 9 July 2026.
