A Year 4 Chemical Engineering undergraduate, Grace Theresa, represented Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) at the BEM Young Engineering Innovation Trophy 2026, held as part of the National Engineering Convention (NEC) 2026 and organised by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). 

She was shortlisted as one of 15 finalists under the Washington Accord Category and placed among the top five at the national competition.

Five awards were presented to the finalists: Gold, Silver, Bronze, and two Consolation Awards. Grace received one of the Consolation Awards, which included a monetary prize. This is her second innovation award, following a Gold Award at TECHNOVATION Week 2025 (university level), and her first national-level recognition.

Grace developed a biodegradable and reusable 3D-printed hydrogel for environmental applications. The project combines additive manufacturing, functional materials, and environmental engineering, with potential uses in environmental remediation. The prototype illustrates how 3D printing can produce materials designed for biodegradability, reusability, and sustainability.

The project was developed under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Ir. Dr. Wong Voon Loong.