The Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Group was founded in 1986, in the effort to address and enhance multidisciplinary research. It has since progressed into a model research group. In 2013 we have leveraged to another level of achievement whereby EMTech was promoted to be a Research Center of Excellence (RCoE) in Universiti Putra Malaysia. Ever since then, we are officially known as EMTech Research Center.

Starting with only three key members as the foundation members then, consisting of Prof. Dato’ Dr. Abu Bakar Salleh, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Che Nyonya Abdul Razak and Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Wan Md Zin bin Wan Yunus, strong pillars of foundation were built in multidisciplinary research in the area of enzyme and microbial technology. EMTech was one of the few groups involved in structural biology initiatives in 2002 and was the first group in Malaysia to obtain protein crystals in space in 2007.

In these 32 years, EMTech has seen the addition as well as the reduction of its members, and reconsolidation of the center’s sub-groups. A number of our members, notably Prof. Dato’ Dr. Abu Bakar Salleh, Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Wan Md Zin bin Wan Yunus, Prof. Datuk. Seri Panglima Dr. Kamaruzaman Hj. Ampon, Prof. Dr. Mahiran Basri, Prof. Dr. Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. Rahman and Prof. Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman, have risen through the ranks to become reputable and influential academics each championing his/her own niche.

EMTech now comprises three sub-groups mainly focusing on isolation and characterization of microbial enzymes, comprehension of protein structure and function, and development of products and processes utilizing enzymes and microbes. Special well wishes to Prof. Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman, who has gone on to establish a new field of study with chemists from EMTech previously. We are happy to witness the development of these young researchers and we continue to support one another.

A special note of remembrance to the late Prof. Dr. Mahiran Basri, a stalwart of EMTech since 1988. We lost her in 2017 and no words can express how much she has contributed to EMTech, her fellow colleagues, friends and students. Her presence is deeply missed and she will always remain in our hearts and minds.

EMTech is expecting a new breed of researchers to carry the torch. Most of them have been with EMTech in their formative years, and the spirit kindled among them should see EMTech move to a higher level of achievement!!

PROF. DR. NOOR ZALIHA RAJA ABDUL RAHMAN
HEAD