TAR UMT Researcher Named Among World's Top 2% Scientists for Sixth Consecutive Year

TAR UMT celebrates a significant milestone in academic and research excellence as Associate Professor Dr Liew Chiam Wen, a lecturer in the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FOAS), has consistently maintained her placement among the Top 2% of scientists globally for the sixth consecutive year. This sustained recognition in the prestigious global ranking by Stanford University highlights Dr Liew’s unwavering commitment to high-impact research and her long-term contributions to the field of advanced materials.

Hailing from Tanjung Tualang, Perak, and completing her secondary education at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Datuk Bendahara CM Yusuf and Form Six at SMK Sultan Yussuf, Dr Liew’s fascination with science began in primary school, driven by a deep-seated curiosity about how the world works. She joined TAR UMT in 2017 and dedicated her life and hard work towards research and development in green technology. “My motivation comes from both scientific curiosity and the desire to address real-world challenges in energy storage. I am driven to develop safer and more sustainable materials that can contribute to next-generation batteries and support the growing demand for clean energy technologies,” she explained.

Dr Liew’s core research focuses on the development of green solid materials designed to replace the flammable liquid electrolytes typically found in batteries. This innovation is crucial for creating energy storage devices that are safer, more stable, and capable of higher energy density.

Of her extensive body of work, Dr Liew is most proud of her research into biodegradable polymeric materials derived from natural sources such as corn starch and aloe vera. "I believe in the importance of sustainability, which promotes a healthier planet, strengthens economic reliance and provides better social equity and health. It is a great breakthrough for me to be able to demonstrate the potential of sustainable materials to be used in real-world applications, ranging from small-scale power sources for flexible electronics to high-energy systems for electric vehicles," Dr Liew noted.

Beyond the laboratory, Dr Liew is also committed to her role as an educator, aiming to inspire the next generation of innovators. “I want to inspire students to engage in research and innovation, and give my best to further strengthen a research culture in TAR UMT. Through my research work, I can bring cutting-edge examples like lab-scale device fabrication into the classroom. I also ensure to be well informed about important conferences and workshops, not only for my own benefit but also to encourage my students to attend them,” she detailed.

More so, working in a University that places great importance on research and development, Dr Liew emphasised how TAR UMT has helped in her career growth as a researcher. “TAR UMT continues to provide the right support for researchers like me, such as comprehensive laboratory facilities, research equipment, publication incentives and even scholarships for students. I am grateful that I am in an environment that supports my efforts and hard work as a researcher and educator,” she commented.

Dr Liew (right), discussing an experiment with her student.

Even after six years at the top of the field, Dr Liew is not slowing down. The next frontier involves tackling the ‘mystery’ of edible electrolytes. “These green energy storage devices could potentially be used in biomedical devices, further blurring the line between sustainability and human health. I certainly am looking forward to starting my research on this,” Dr Liew enthused.