Dr Siti Shawalliah Idris

Dr Siti Shawalliah Idris is an Associate Professor at Universiti Teknologi MARA with a focus on renewable energy, waste-to-wealth, and sustainability. With over 20 years of experience, she has held various administrative roles, and is a recognised chartered engineer. Her research centres on waste-to-energy/resources conversion using microwave pyrolysis, resulting in numerous publications and awards. Committed to community engagement, she has spearheaded countless STEM education programmes and sustainability initiatives. Dr Idris' work aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancement and societal needs, creating a more sustainable future.

Dr Shawalliah's innovation uses microwave energy to convert forms of food waste into valuable products such biochar, pyrolysis oil, and syngas through a pyrolysis process. This not only reduces the volume of waste, but also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions while producing environmentally-important products such as biochar, which can be used for such things as improving soil health, capturing and storing carbon dioxide, and as a fuel-source for renewable energy.