Dr Kong's research includings turning plastic waste, such as this styrofoam container, into fuel. — Photo: Merdeka Award Trust
In Malaysia's evolving science landscape, young women are trailblazing and shaping the nation’s future, and one such individual is Dr Kong Xin Ying, a shining example of passion and innovation.
Born in Johor, Kong’s love for science began with childhood curiosity, taking apart toys and clocks to understand how they worked.
Encouraged by supportive parents who nurtured her inquisitive nature, she found joy in subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
“This early fascination led me to pursue chemical engineering at Monash University Malaysia, where my passion for sustainable energy research was ignited by my mentor, Prof Chai Siang Piao,” she says.
“It grew stronger during my time as a visiting student at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where I was exposed to groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and state-of-the-art technology,” she adds.
Dr Kong uses the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study the degradation of plastics and the formation of microplastics. — Merdeka Award Trust
Kong says she is steadfast in creating solutions that address real-world problems.
“It all started during a snorkelling trip in Mabul Island, Sabah, where I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of plastic pollution on Malaysia’s beautiful marine ecosystem.
“That experience fuelled my determination to develop practical, scaleable solutions for plastic waste management,” she shares.
Today, Kong is a distinguished postdoctoral fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and was honoured with the 2023 Merdeka Award for Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Her groundbreaking research tackles the global crisis of plastic pollution by converting waste into valuable chemicals and fuels through a photocatalytic process.
This method uses visible light to drive chemical reactions at room temperature, producing no greenhouse gases, a revolutionary step toward sustainable energy.
One of her most notable achievements is converting plastic waste into formic acid, a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) that safely stores and transports hydrogen for energy generation. This technology offers a sustainable and eco-friendly energy solution which could significantly benefit the country.
She has also earned global recognitions, including being named among the world’s top 2% of scientists by Stanford University in 2024 and receiving the MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific Award, the only Malaysian to do so.
Dr Kong - the only Malaysian awardee - presenting her research on plastic upcycling at MIT TR35 award ceremony in Shanghai, China. — Merdeka Award Trust
Turning waste into energy
Like other women in science, Kong is a staunch advocate for women in STEM.
“While women are just as capable as men in scientific research, societal expectations can pose challenges, particularly around family responsibilities.”
To overcome these hurdles, she champions family-friendly policies such as extended maternity leave, flexible working hours, and a support system for working mothers.
Kong also envisions a strong network of female scientists in Malaysia to foster mutual growth and collaboration.
She understands the unique challenges women face in STEM fields and actively champions greater support for female scientists through mentorship and policy advocacy.
Inspired by French chemist and physicist Marie Curie, Kong encourages young Malaysian girls to dream and pursue science.
“Dare to dream. Science is a journey of curiosity and discovery. Work hard, trust yourself, and don’t be afraid of failure.”
Looking ahead, Kong aims to expand her research from the lab to industrial-scale applications, transforming how Malaysia handles plastic waste and energy sustainability.
She hopes to collaborate with industries and government bodies to integrate her plastic upcycling technology into existing recycling systems, turning waste into a viable energy source.
“By converting plastic waste into a viable energy source, I hope to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s sustainability goals,” she concludes.
