By Roubeeni Mohan

University Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) partnered with OEW Algae Technologies Sdn Bhd (OEW)  to commercialise micro algae based cosmetic products.

Micro algae, a type of weed species which lives on land and in water, can be used in manufacturing cosmetic products for women, or health products for men which contains 600 times better than vitamin C according to market studies.

Vice-Chancellor of University Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Professor Dr Noor Azizi Ismail (left) and President & Group CEO of OEW Group, Dato’ Dr Nazily Mohd Noor (right) on the press conference.

“Looking at successful initiatives regionally, we have been inspired as a Malaysian company together with University Malaysia Kelantan to initiate this community project to benefit communities which in turn will boost our national economy development,” said Dato’ Dr Nazily Mohd Noor, president & group chief executive officer of OEW.

“We would like to help create business opportunities in driving entrepreneurship among students in order to undergo practical guidance in understanding the business, finance, and marketing aspects of building a successful brand,” he further added.

Professor Dr Noor Azizi Ismail, the Vice Chancellor of UMK said that the project will benefit both parties involved. The students of UMK, who are pursuing courses in Bioengineering and Technology in the Jeli Branch Campus will have the opportunity of receiving training, obtaining industry experiences, as well as future career placement.

OEW Group predicts that they are able to save expenses from the import of micro-algae species from Japan, which costs between RM5 million until RM7 million per year.