2021 MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific List

Heartiest congratulations to Asst Prof KOH Ming Joo from the Department of Chemistry for being recognised on the 2021 MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific List.

Prof Koh is one of the five young researchers from NUS who were identified as among the most influential innovators in Asia Pacific who are younger than 35, for making great achievements in their respective fields.

These honourees were selected by distinguished judges from around the world, based on criteria such as: impact, ingenuity, daring, timeliness, entrepreneurial accomplishments, and communication skills.

Each year, MIT Technology Review recognises brilliant talents for their advancements in diverse technical fields, from biotechnology and medicine, computer and electronics hardware, to energy and more. These outstanding innovators are commended under five categories: Inventors who build the stuff of the future; Entrepreneurs who hope to turn innovations into disruptive businesses; Visionaries who find powerful new uses of technology; Humanitarians who take unconventional routes to bring about a healthier, cleaner, and more adaptable world; and Pioneers who push the edge of science to create new approaches to tackling technology challenges.

Asst Prof Koh was recognised in the Visionary category.

The decline in supply of precious metals has pushed industries to search for sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. This motivated Asst Prof Koh to develop catalysts derived from abundant base metals such as iron and nickel.

He has successfully developed realistic and less costly catalyst systems including new homogeneous iron- and nickel-based catalysts, new protocols for promoting cross-coupling and alkene/alkyne functionalisations, and next-generation heterogeneous single-atom metal catalysts. His sustainable approach will significantly enhance the way in which many important molecules are prepared in terms of cost savings, as well as vis-à-vis the amount of waste generated.

Asst Prof Koh said, “I am honoured to receive this recognition as a chemist. I would like to share this award with my students and co-workers who have contributed to our research programme at NUS. Hopefully, this will inspire those who are passionate in their field of study to dream big and pursue excellence.”

Adapted from UCO source article.