LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) announced the recipients of its Regional Professorial Chair Grants for academic year 2025-2026.
Recognized for their exceptional contributions to agricultural and rural development, SEARCA said five distinguished academicians will each receive a grant of $5,000.
The SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair Grant underscores the center's commitment to fostering groundbreaking research and academic excellence across Southeast Asia, addressing critical challenges and advancing sustainable practices in the region's agricultural sector.
One of the 2025-2026 SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair awardees is Professor Yeng Ming Lam from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Lam was honored for her pioneering work in sustainable agriculture and environmental innovation. She was known for her innovative RetenSol-G microgel technology, which utilizes plant waste to enhance soil water retention in arid regions. She will deliver a public lecture titled "Transforming Land using Green Materials – Green for Green."
Also from NTU is Professor Joachim Loo, recognized for his innovative research in agri-food and biomedical applications. Loo's work on extracting natural biopolymers for advanced nutrient absorption delivery systems is significantly boosting food productivity and sustainability. His public lecture is titled "The Role of Encapsulation Systems in Fulfilling the Singapore Aquaculture Plan."
Also an awardee is Professor Ts. Dr. Zurina Binti Zainal Abidin of the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Abidin was acknowledged for her extensive contributions to chemical and biochemical engineering, with over 150 high-impact publications and multiple patents. She will deliver a lecture titled "Harnessing Jatropha curcas as a Sustainable and Renewable Biocoagulant for Low-Carbon Water Treatment in Agriculture."
Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Noranizan Mohd Adzahan of UPM was awarded for her significant work in food processing, particularly her promotion of high-pressure processing (HPP) to reduce food waste and environmental impact across Southeast Asia. Noranizan will share her insights through a lecture titled "High Pressure Processing as a Game Changer for Reducing Food Waste and Environmental Impact" as part of the grant requirements.
Lastly, Associate Professor Kornsorn Srikulnath of Kasetsart University (KU) in Thailand was granted the professorial chair in biodiversity for his nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching, with more than 100 publications in scientific journals. His project titled "Transforming Catfish Aquaculture Value Chains: A Thai Model for Sustainable Regional Growth," has been instrumental in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices. He will deliver a lecture with the same title as his award-winning research as part of the grant requirements.
Also nominated by their university heads, a total of 67 highly competent academicians in the Southeast Asia have received this prestigious recognition to date, underscoring SEARCA's ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant academic and research community dedicated to agricultural advancement.