u-SMART PROGRAM: Transforming Used Cooking Oil, Inspiring Sustainable Communities

The Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology (FBKT) brings innovation to the community through the Sustainable Used Cooking Oil Management Program (u-SMART), held from 5–7 August 2025 at Ruang Daya Cipta, UTC Kota Bharu, in conjunction with the STEM CAMP MOSTI. The u-SMART program is funded under the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (SKUM) Grant, led by Dr. Nik Nurul Anis binti Nik Yusoff, with two research team members, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Mohd Faizal Wan Ishak and Ts. Dr. Teo Pao Ter.

This program enhances public awareness of the importance of sustainable used cooking oil management and the circular economy, where kitchen waste can be transformed into soap, candles, biodiesel, and biojet fuel. This initiative supports community sustainability while reducing waste. Interestingly, the interactive STEM activities through u-SMART provided opportunities for students from six schools around Kota Bharu to directly and enjoyably explore the science of sustainability.