PhD Viva Success: MD. Belal Hossain Sikder Advances CNC Production from OPEFB

30 April 2026 | UMPSA Gambang

Congratulations to MD. Belal Hossain Sikder on successfully defending his PhD thesis entitled:

“Production of Cellulose Nano-Crystals (CNC) from OPEFB by Using Lignocellulosic Enzymes Immobilized on Magnetic Nanoparticles.”

The viva voce session was chaired by Prof. Ts. Dr. Muzamir Hasan (FTKA), with Dr. Mohd Fadhlizil Fasihi Mohd Aluwi (FIST) serving as the secretariat. The examination panel comprised Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nina Suhaity Azmi (FIST) as Internal Examiner and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Taher Bakhtiar as External Examiner, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Balkis Haji A Talip serving as External Examiner (in absentia).

The research was conducted under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aizi Nor Mazila Ramli. The study focuses on converting oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) into high-value cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) using lignocellulosic enzymes immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles. The findings highlight the potential of sustainable biomass valorization through advanced green biotechnology approaches.

During the session, the candidate demonstrated strong technical understanding and effectively communicated the significance of his research. The discussion was engaging and constructive, reflecting the relevance of the study in nanomaterials and sustainable resource utilization.

Congratulations on this outstanding achievement, and best wishes for continued success in future academic and research endeavors.