The year was 1997. Three senior researchers from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) during a routine tea break discussed the utilization of palm oil mill effluent (POME). They wondered about the contents of POME and if it would have properties similar to the palm oil. That little discussion later turned out to be an idea that would be worth millions of ringgit.

Dr. Tan Yew-Ai, Dr. Kalyana Sundram and Dr. Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi collectively have more than 30 years of R&D expertise in the oil palm industry. All three researchers had an inclination towards science in their school days. Their interest progressed throughout university, nurtured by supportive teachers and lecturers.

As accomplished researchers, they have invited to present working papers and reports at various domestic and global conferences. They have written countless articles for local and international journals.

Their advice to those interested in a career in scientific research is that one should have the stamina and be able to think outside the box.