Testimonial by Yong Zi Jun

Hi, I’m Yong Zi Jun. I’m in the final stage of completing my Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering). My Ph.D research has focused on the design and development of an efficient nano-scaled semiconductor (Solar-panel-like) photocatalytic material for the renewable energy generation from municipal wastewater purification under natural sunlight exposure in a photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC). My research has also involved material characterization, preliminary testing, optimization, economic analysis, and energy efficiency for synchronous electricity generation and wastewater treatment efficiency in the PFC system. Moreover, this research contributes to five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): goal no. 6 (Clean water), no. 7 (Clean energy), no. 12 (Responsible consumption), no. 13 (Climate action), and no. 14 (Life below water).

What motivated you to undertake a Ph.D.? The passion to pursue a Ph.D. at UTAR arose from my previous working experiences in the sectors of renewable energy, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and civil earthworks. In addition, holding a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development Practice from USM and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from UTAR influenced me to realize that it is imperative to create a new-age solution to address the two largest concerns of humanity: environmental pollution and the energy crisis. Fortunately, the lecturers at the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) in UTAR have vast experience and holistic know-how on integrating scientific research with industrial technology to address the present environmental and energy crisis in a sustainable manner.

What aspects of the Ph.D. have you enjoyed and learned the most? I'm extremely grateful to ChM. Ts. Dr. Lam Sze Mun from FEGT, UTAR, who is my main supervisor and offered me the opportunity to pursue my Ph.D. at UTAR with a topic of interest in sustainable energy and wastewater treatment. Under her guidance, I was able to secure the publication of two book chapters on the synthesis and application of the next-generation "MXene" material for environmental remediation and energy production during the first year of my Ph.D., along with a conference paper and international journal publications in subsequent years. During the Ph.D. program, I gained a lot of research experience and was able to work hand-in-hand with lab technicians to operate expensive and sophisticated laboratory equipment, such as FESEM-EDX, ATR, ICP-MS, GC-MS, XRD, photoelectrochemical/potentiostat workstations, and so on. Moreover, I acquired the analytical skills as a reviewer to provide constructive comments on pending scientific manuscripts received from various journal and article publishers. Besides, I had the chance to guide five final-year students, three master's, and one Ph.D. candidates during my Ph.D. research at UTAR. Furthermore, I learned to conduct research budgetary and financial planning, where I always worked within a given budget to achieve the best research outcomes. This can translate into a more economically viable solution in the real world, especially toward the commercialization of new technology that solves the present energy and environmental issues.

What other dimensions were interesting in pursuing a Ph.D. at UTAR? UTAR provides you with the freedom and opportunity to pursue research overseas. For instance, I was offered the opportunity to conduct part of my Ph.D. research at the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Guilin University of Technology (GUT), Guangxi, China. Furthermore, you can gain experience in conducting and presenting your own research outcomes at international conferences, symposia, exhibitions, and competitions. I presented my research findings at the 4th International Symposium on Green & Sustainable Technology 2021 (ISGST 2021) in Malaysia. Moreover, I had the opportunity to participate in international research entrepreneurship competitions, such as the 6th and 8th China International College Students "Internet+" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Proposals in 2020 and 2022, respectively. During the competitions, I had the freedom to collaborate with postgraduates from China and Pakistan. The biggest takeaway for me during these research exchanges, competitions, and conferences was networking with colleagues in my field and building connections for the future. I learned to write research grant proposals for the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation (MTFS) to secure more external funding to further expedite my research progress.

What do you plan to do once you've finished your Ph.D.? After completing my Ph.D., I plan to join the financial or government sector as an environmental sustainability-renewable energy specialist to provide a more techno-holistic analysis for green-sustainable-related business projects or proposals that banks or the government will invest in. I also plan to contribute as a fellow academician in the university some years after acquiring enough real-world working experience in the field of energy and the environment. It has been my dream to fortify both my intellect and real-world problem-solving experience so that I can deliver the best of myself for the next generation to come. In summary, the training, facilitation, and opportunities I gained as part of my doctoral program at UTAR have broadened the doors for me, properly prepared me for the working world, and allowed me to fulfill my professional dreams. Lastly, I have wonderful memories of the program, the people, and this once-in-a-lifetime journey at UTAR.