SEARCA elevates agricultural innovation with prestigious Professorial Chair Grants

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—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. Five distinguished academicians, recognized for their exceptional contributions to agricultural and rural development, will each receive a grant of USD 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.

The 2025–2026 SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair awardees are:

• Professor Yeng Ming Lam, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore: 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.”
• Professor Joachim Loo, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore: 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 will focus on “The Role of Encapsulation Systems in Fulfilling the Singapore Aquaculture Plan.”
• Professor Ts. Dr. Zurina Binti Zainal Abidin, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Acknowledged for her extensive contributions to chemical and biochemical engineering, with over 150 high-impact publications and multiple patents. She will deliver a lecture on “Harnessing Jatropha curcas as a Sustainable and Renewable Biocoagulant for Low-Carbon Water Treatment in Agriculture.”
• Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Noranizan Mohd Adzahan, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): 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 on “High Pressure Processing as a Game Changer for Reducing Food Waste and Environmental Impact” in a public lecture as part of the grant requirements.
• Associate Professor Kornsorn Srikulnath, Kasetsart University (KU), Thailand: 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, “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.

Nominated by their university heads, a total of 67 highly competent academicians in the region have received this prestigious recognition to date, underscoring SEARCA’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant academic and research community dedicated to agricultural advancement.