Lau Shiew Wei

selected_00055

Ir. Dr. Lau Shiew Wei

Ph.D., M.Eng., B.Eng. (Hons), PEng (BEM), MIEAust CPEng, FHEA, AMIChemE
Associate Professor

Contact Details

Location: Skylark 3 Room 336
Telephone: +60 85 630 100 Ext: 2419
Fax: +60 85 630288
Email: lau.shiew.wei@curtin.edu.my

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=yraHbxsAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8162-0169

Academic History

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical Engineering), Curtin University Malaysia (2016)
  • Master of Engineering (Chemical), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (2005)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (2001)

Awards

  1. Best Oral Presentation, Sarawak Research and Development Council, 2022.
  2. Hyogo Overseas Research Network Research (HORN) Fellowship 2017, Hyogo Earthquake Memorial 21st Century Research Institute.
  3. Curtin Offshore Partner Research Scholarship (2011-2016), Curtin University. 

Research Interests

  • Water, wastewater and sludge treatment
  • Physico chemical separation processes including coagulation and flocculation (with emphasis on bioflocculation)
  • Water and soil quality analysis
  • Microalgae harvesting and biomass utilisation
  • Process sustainability assessment within environmental and chemical engineering systems.

Publications

A. Book Chapters

  • Lau, S.W., Sen, T.K., Chua, H.B. and Ang, H.M., Conditioning Aids and Their Applications for Sludge Dewatering, in Physical Chemical and Biological Treatment Processes for Water and Wastewater, T.K. Sen, Ed. 2015, Nova Publisher: USA.
  • Lau, S.W., Chong, S.H., Ang, H.M., Sen, T.K. and Chua, H.B., Dewaterability of anaerobic digested sludge with cations and chitosan as dual-conditioners, in Developments in Sustainable Chemical and Bioprocess Technology, R. Pogaku, A. Bono, and C. Chu, Eds. 2013, Springer: US. p. 11-17.

B. Refereed Journal Publications

  1. Eugene Chai Jian Jun, Henry Chee Yew Foo, Hisham Khaled Ben Mahmud, Lau Shiew Wei, Ziad Bennour (2026). Cement integrity challenges associated with underground hydrogen storage: A review of geochemistry and microbial activity. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 228. 116567. ISSN 1364-0321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2025.116567.
  2. Fong Ai Ling, Lau Shiew Wei, Sujan Debnath, Amanda Anne Mu, Mahmood Anwar, Ian J. Davies, Ong Wei Shern, Abdul Hamid Bin Abdullah and Mahzan Bin Johar. (2026). Flexural properties of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composite developed by the vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) technique. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 3196(1), 012036. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/3196/1/012036
  3. Ai Ling Fong, Amanda Mu, Shiew Wei Lau, Sujan Debnath, Mahmood Anwar, Ian J. Davies and Mahzan Bin Johar. Experimental study and failure mode analysis of off-axis compression behaviour in natural fibre polymer composite. Discov Mechanical Engineering 5, 50 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44245-026-00211-0
  4. Fong, A., Wong, D. H., Lau, S.W., Debnath, S., Anwar, M., Davies, I. J., & Johar, M. B. (2025). A review on the hybrid polymer composites comprising natural fibre and nanomaterial reinforcement. Journal of Composite Materials, 59(22). 2615-2646. https://doi.org/10.1177/00219983251334861
  5. Ling-Chin, J., Giampieri, A., Wilks, M., Lau, S. W., Bacon, E., Sheppard, I., Smallbone, A. J., & Roskilly, A. P. (2023). Technology roadmap for hydrogen-fuelled transportation in the UK. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. (In Press, Corrected Proof). (Impact Factor 7.2, 2022)
  6. Mohamed Hatta, N. S., Lau, S. W., Chua, H. B., Takeo, M., Sen, T. K., Mubarak, N. M., Khalid, M., & Zairin, D. A. (2023). Parametric and kinetic studies of activated sludge dewatering by cationic chitosan-like bioflocculant BF01314 produced from Citrobacter youngae. Environmental Research, 224, 115527. (Impact Factor 8.3, 2022)
  7. Sahil Mohedin Hawa, Hillry Gibson Anak Panjang, Ericson Nyagang, Wan Sieng Yeo, Agus Saptoro, Shiew Wei Lau, Tze Khiun Jong, Alex Choon Teck Jong. 2021. “Management for Paddy, Oil Palm, and Pineapple Plantations in Malaysia: Current Status and Reviews.” Journal of Applied Science and Process Engineering 8 (2): 859-880.
  8. Mohamed Hatta, N.S., S.W. Lau, M. Takeo, H.B. Chua, P. Baranwal, N.M. Mubarak, and M. Khalid. 2021. “Novel cationic chitosan-like bioflocculant from Citrobacter youngae GTC 01314 for the treatment of kaolin suspension and activated sludge.” Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (4): 105297. (Impact Factor 4.300)
  9. Hii, Y.S., Chan, Y.S., Lau, S.W. and Danquah, M. 2020. “Isolation and characterisation of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms from peat.” Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 26: 101643. (SCOPUS indexed)
  10. Lai, C.H., A.R.H. Settinayake, W.S. Yeo, S.W. Lau, and T.K. Jong. 2019. “Crop Nutrients Review and the Impact of Fertilizer on the Plantation in Malaysia: A Mini Review.” Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 50 (17): 2089-2105. (Impact Factor 0.767)
  11. Lau, S.W., T.K. Sen, H.B. Chua, and H.M. Ang. 2017. “Conditioning of Synthetic Sludge and Anaerobically Digested Sludge Using Chitosan, Organic Polyelectrolytes and Inorganic Metal Cations to Enhance Sludge Dewaterability.” Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 228 (9): 358. (Impact Factor 1.702)
  12. Lau, S.W., Tang, S.D., Ang, H.M., Sen, T.K. and Chua, H.B. 2015. “Dual-conditioning of sludge using chitosan and metal cations.” Water Practice and Technology. 10 (2): 381-389. (SCOPUS indexed)
  13. Lau, S.W., Tan, T.P.L. and Goh, S.M. 2013. “Teaching Engineering Ethics using BLOCKS Game.” Science and Engineering Ethics 19 (3): 1357-1373. (Impact Factor 2.229)
  14. Mohd. Setapar, S.H., Lau, S.W., Chen, Y., Cen, P.L., Yao, S.J. and Mat, H.B. 2008. “Partitioning Behaviour of Selected Antibiotics in Organic Solvents.” Journal of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering – Sustainable Process for Natural Resources Special Edition 100-112.
  15. Mohd. Setapar, S.H., Lau, S.W., Toorisaka, E., Goto, M., Furusaki, S. and Mat, H. 2008. “Reverse Micelle Extraction of Antibiotics.” Jurnal Teknologi Series F 49: 69-79. (SCOPUS indexed)

C. Peer Reviewed Conference Proceedings

  1. Chai, E.J.J., Foo, H.C.Y., Bennour, Z., Mahmud, H.K.B., Lau, S.W. (2025). Development of Geopolymer Mortar from Palm Oil Boiler Ash and Alumina Powder: A Process Study. In: Yuan, C. (eds) Proceedings of 6th International Conference on Resources and Environmental Research – ICRER 2024. ICRER 2024. Environmental Science and Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-93295-3_13
  2. Fong, A. L., Lau, S. W. Lau, Debnath, S., Anwar, M., Davies, I. J., Johar, M. B., and Bolhie, N. B. Development of Hybrid Composite Using Simple Lab-Scale Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) Technique. In: Kurnia, J.C., Chan, S.Y.S., Law, M.C. (eds) Proceedings of the International Conference on Energy Transition and Exhibition 2024. ICETe 2024. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Singapore.
  3. Lim, S.C, Lau, S.W., Takeo, M., Baranwal, P., Mohamed Hatta, N.S. and Chua, H.B. Characterization of a Chitosan-like Bioflocculant BF01314 produced by Citrobacter youngae in Kaolin Flocculation. In Water and Environment Technology Conference. 2019. Osaka, Japan.
  4. Cheang, L.T., N.S. Mohamed Hatta, N.S., Takeo, M., Baranwal, P., Lau, S.W. and Chua, H.B. Bioflocculant produced by Citrobacter youngae as conditioning aid to enhance sludge dewatering. In the 8th International Forum on Industrial Bioprocessing. 2019. Miri, Sarawak.
  5. Phang, K.Y., and Lau, S.W. A Survey on the Usage of Biomass Wastes from Palm Oil Mills on Sustainable Development of Oil Palm Plantations in Sarawak. in 29th Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers. 2016. Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. (Also published in IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 2017. 206: 012073) (ISI Thomson Reuters indexed and SCOPUS indexed Conference Proceedings).
  6. Low, Y.J., and Lau, S.W. Effective Flocculation of Chlorella vulgaris using Chitosan with Zeta Potential Measurement. in 29th Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers. 2016. Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. (Also published in IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 2017. 206: 012091)
  7. Lau, S.W., Ang, H.M., Sen, T.K. and Chua, H.B. Assessment of Chitosan Conditioning in a Synthetic Anaerobic Digested Sludge System. in Chemeca 2014. 2014. Perth, Australia.
  8. Lau, S.W., Tang, S.D., Ang, H.M., Sen, T.K. and Chua, H.B. Dual-Conditioning of Sludge using Chitosan and Metal Cations. in Water Convention 2014. 2014. Singapore.
  9. Lau, S.W., Chong, S.H., Ang, H.M., Sen, T.K. and Chua, H.B. Dewaterability of anaerobic digested sludge with cations and chitosan as dual-conditioners. in 26th Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers in conjunction with the 4th International Conference on Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering. 2012. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
  10. Chan, Z.Y., Lau, S.W. and Chua, H.B. Dewatering of anaerobic digested sludge with oil palm biomass as novel physical conditioner. in 26th Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers in conjunction with the 4th International Conference on Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering. 2012. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
  11. Lau, S.W., Mat, H.B., Chen, Y., Cen, P.L. and Yao, S.J. Reactive Extraction of Antibiotics with TOMAC/Kerosene System: I. Equilibrium. in Chemeca 2008. 2008. Newcastle, Australia.
  12. Lau, S.W., Mat, H.B., Chen, Y., Cen, P.L. and Yao, S.J. Reactive Extraction of Antibiotics with TOMAC/Kerosene System: II. Kinetics. in Chemeca 2008. 2008. Newcastle, Australia.
  13. Lau, S.W., Chen, Y., Cen, P.L., Yao, S.J. and Mat, H.B. Reactive Extraction of Antibiotics in Trioctylmethyl Ammonium Chloride (TOMAC)/Kerosene System. in 20th Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers. 2006. Shah Alam, Malaysia.
  14. Lau, S.W., Mohd. Setapar, S.H., Chen, Y., Cen, P.L., Yao, S.J. and Mat, H.B. Solubility Behaviour of Selected Antibiotics in Organic Solvents. in 10th Asia Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering Conference. 2004. Kitakyushu, Japan.
  15. Mohd. Setapar, S.H., Lau, S.W., Toorisaka, E., Goto, M., Furusaki, S. and Mat, H.B. Reverse Micelle Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Antibiotics. in 10th Asia Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering Conference. 2004. Kitakyushu, Japan.

Research Grants

  1. Funder: PETRONAS-Academia Collaboration Dialogue (PACD)
    Title: Understanding the interactions between solvent and lipid compositional profiles to enhance the effectiveness of microalgae lipids extraction
    Amount: RM1,263,350.90
    Role: Co-investigator
    Duration/Status: 2024-2026
  2. Funder: PETRONAS-Academia Collaboration Dialogue (PACD)
    Title: Integration of AI and Cloud-based Digital Monitoring for Microalgae Harvesting and Post-Harvesting Optimization
    Amount: RM 1,899,04
    Role: Co-investigator
    Duration/Status: 2024-2025
  3. Funder: Curtin Malaysia Sustainability Research Grant 
    Title: Silt and Heavy Metal Ions Removal (Lab Scale)
    Amount: RM 40,000
    Role: Co-investigator
    Duration/Status: 2022-2023
  4. Funder: Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
    Title: Fundamental Experimental Investigation of Hydrogen Influence on Well Completion Cement Integrity
    Amount: RM 112,800
    Role: Co-investigator
    Duration/Status: 2022-2025
  5. Funder: Curtin Malaysia Teaching Innovation Project (CMTIP)
    Title: Coaching intervention in peer feedback process using ITP metrics platform for engineering students
    Amount: RM 2,000
    Role: Principal investigator
    Duration/Status: 2022-2023
  6. Funder: Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC)
    Title: Nanomilling Hydrothermal/Enzymatic Treatment towards Lignin Isolation from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch in Sarawak
    Amount: RM 50,000
    Role: Principal investigator
    Duration/Status: 2020-2023
  7. Funder: Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
    Title: Determination of vulnerability zones based on spatial and temporal variations of metals in different size fractions – Miri Estuary (Sarawak)
    Amount: RM 90,200
    Role: Co-investigator
    Duration/Status: 2020-2023
  8. Funder: Public-Private Research Network (PPRN)
    Title: Micowave Kiln for Beads Production
    Amount: RM 31,200
    Role: Co-investigator
    Duration/Status: 2018-2019
  9. Funder: Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
    Title: Spectrometric analysis of flocculation activity and molecular interactions of chitosan-like bioflocculant of Citrobacter strains to improve sludge dewatering
    Amount: RM 87,000
    Role: Principal investigator
    Duration/Status: 2017-2020
  10. Funder: Curtin Sarawak Research Fund
    Title: Impregnation of silver nanoparticles in a polysulfone membrane: Filtration performance, antimicrobial ability and biofouling resistance studies
    Amount: RM 10,000
    Role: Co-investigator
    Duration/Status: 2014-2016
  11. Funder: Curtin Sarawak Collaborative Research Fund
    Title: The Dual Conditioning Effect of Salt and Chitosan on the Dewaterability of Anaerobically Digested Sludge
    Amount: RM 20,000
    Role: Principal investigator
    Duration/Status: 2012-2015
  12. Funder: Curtin Sarawak Collaborative Research Fund
    Title: Extraction of algae oil for the production of transport liquid biofuel
    Amount: RM 25,000
    Role: Co-investigator
    Duration/Status: 2010-2016
  13. Funder: Curtin Sarawak Research Fund
    Title: Investigation of the mechanical properties of anodised aluminium through the optimisation of anodising process
    Amount: RM 10,000
    Role: Principal investigator
    Duration/Status: 2007-2009

Professional Associations

  • Professional Engineer, Board of Engineers Malaysia (PEng BEM)
  • Chartered Professional Engineer, Institution of Engineers Australia (MIEAust CPEng)
  • Fellow, Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
  • Associate Member, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)