Prof. Dr. Chow Wen Shyang
School of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Email: shyang@usm.my
Phone No: (+6)04-599 6160
Research Interests
Polymer Nanocomposites; Biodegradable Polymer; Biopolymer; Nanofiller; Latex Processing.
My Research: Contribution & Expertise
I am an established researcher who is passionate about the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly polymer nanocomposites. I have published a total of 110 international journals, permeation theories and fouling journals, and 11 book chapters from 2005 to 2022. My expertise is the processing and characterisation of biodegradable polymers, biopolymers and polymer nanocomposites. Most of my research, which focuses on the sustainability, environmental friendliness and recyclability of polymers, is in line with the Circular Economy. Well-structured human resources development is essential to catalysing the socio-economic growth of Malaysia.
A total of eight PhD and fifteen MSc postgraduate students have graduated under my supervision. The students were well trained, which can be justified by their high-quality theses and international journal publications (approximately 3 publications per postgraduate) and their job market competitiveness (100% graduate employability for the 23 students). Bionanocomposites can help to improve sustainability for the environment and create potential industrialisation opportunities. The latest contribution of my research is working with the polymer industry to develop a sustainable recirculating aquaculture filtration system (containing nanocomposite foam) to solve the water quality problems of fish farms. Overall, the scientific findings from my research work can have a great impact on the advancement of knowledge in the polymer industry.
My View: Qualities of a Good Researcher
In my personal view, to be a good researcher, we need to apply the "STREAM" approach. We should not only focus on the continuous "flow" (continuous contribution), but the empowerment of the elements in "STREAM" as well:
S - Sharing
T - Transform
R - Relearn
E - Enthusiastic
A - Action
M - Management
We need to share findings from our research with the scientific community as well as other stakeholders.
We can think out-of-the-box but it should always be relevant.
Last but not least, manage your time well so that you can have good quality "research time", "family time" and "me time".