Meet Dr Nur Hashimah Alias, the membranologist using kombucha waste for water purification

Her groundbreaking project upcycles SCOBY into bio-based membranes, modified with silver and zinc nanoparticles to enhance antimicrobial properties.

The result is a highly durable, antibacterial membrane with excellent strength, ideal for water filtration in off-grid communities or even household use.

“SCOBY membranes offer an affordable and eco-friendly solution for water purification,” she explains. “They can be produced using minimal resources and local materials, making them ideal for rural and underserved communities. This innovation can provide clean drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and improve the overall quality of life.”

According to Hashimah, the production of these SCOBY membranes could also create opportunities for local entrepreneurship and job creation—both of which will go a long way in Malaysia’s most underserved and remote regions.   

But such a breakthrough didn’t come easy. “Resource limitations, experimental setbacks, and the pressure of balancing teaching, administrative duties and family responsibilities were particularly demanding,” Hashimah says. “There were moments when repeated experimental failures, multiple rejections from scientific journals and bouts of self-doubt made me question whether to continue. But by breaking challenges into smaller, manageable tasks, learning from failures and practicing self-care, I stayed resilient.”

See also: How Malaysian scientist Swee Lay Thein is breaking barriers for women in STEM with her historic discovery that led to a cure for sickle cell anaemia

At its core, her work champions circular economy principles—eliminating waste by repurposing materials. “By combining natural materials with innovative engineering, this initiative delivers a blueprint for sustainable water treatment technologies, addressing pressing global water challenges and fostering a healthier, more prosperous future for both people and the planet,” she states, adding: “Scaling this technology to underserved or off-grid communities is a top priority.”  

Beyond research, Hashimah is deeply invested in mentoring young scientists. Having been shaped by inspiring lecturers, she now sees it as her duty to pay it forward. “My goal is to empower my students with the skills, confidence and mindset to tackle challenges, pursue their own breakthroughs and contribute meaningfully to society and our beloved country. I hope to instil in them the belief that they can achieve great things and make a lasting impact in their chosen fields.”

Her message to young women eyeing a career in STEM is clear: “Stay curious and never underestimate your own potential. Seek out mentors and communities that inspire you—platforms like L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science have been invaluable in connecting me with a supportive network of peers and experts who guided my research and encouraged me to keep innovating.”

A testament to the power of turning adversity into action, Hashimah’s work is more than scientific progress. By bridging environmental responsibility with cutting-edge research, she is proving that solutions to the world’s most pressing problems may just lie in the things we throw away, overlook and undervalue.

Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change.

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