Pricipal Investigator

Dr. Wai Siong Chai (蔡伟翔/蔡偉翔)

I lead research in low-carbon conversion technologies for sustainable fuels, chemicals, and materials. The work focuses on integrating catalysis, thermochemical processing, and reactor engineering with process systems analysis to develop scalable solutions for energy and carbon transformation. The goal is to bridge fundamental understanding with practical deployment in industrially relevant systems. 

Research Interests

• Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

• Thermochemical conversion

• Catalysis and reaction engineering

• Waste-to-value systems

• Process systems engineering

• Techno-economic and sustainability assessment

Selected Achievements

• Highly cited publications

• Grants

• Media interviews

• Invited talks

• Industrial collaborations

Teaching and Mentorship

I am actively engaged in teaching core chemical engineering and sustainable process engineering modules, with emphasis on linking fundamental theory to real engineering applications.

Teaching Focus

• Reactor design and reaction engineering

• Separation processes and process design

• Materials and sustainable chemical processes

• Engineering systems thinking and design integration

Mentorship Philosophy

The group emphasizes hands-on research training that develops:

• Experimental and analytical competence in catalysis and thermochemical systems

• Process modeling and systems-level thinking

• Scientific communication and critical thinking skills

• Readiness for academic, industrial, and interdisciplinary careers in energy and sustainability

Graduate researchers are trained to operate at the interface of fundamental science and engineering application, with an emphasis on independent problem solving and translational research impact.

Education

Ph.D. in Engineering, University of Nottingham, Malaysia (2017)

BEng (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering, University of Nottingham, Malaysia (2012)