In a time where sustainability is a more pressing issue than ever, Dr. Hj. Muhammad Khusairy Bin Capt. Hj. Bakri’s journey serves as an inspiration for Malaysians who want to make a difference in preserving our environment on a global scale.
His foray into sustainable engineering began with the Swinburne University of Technology at its Sarawak campus, where he obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in 2014, his Master of Engineering (by Research) in 2016, and finally, his PhD in 2018.
Prior to beginning his career, Dr. Khusairy had already made waves in his alma mater by becoming the first Sarawakian and one of the first Malaysian students to complete his Master’s by Research in just one year and his Doctorate in only two years.
Additionally, in those two years, he authored 60 publications, showcasing his dedication and expertise in composite materials, fibres and polymers.
After serving as a Research Fellow at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) from 2019 to 2021, Dr. Khusairy landed a job in the USA, where he is currently in his third year as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and Staff Member at Washington State University (WSU). His focus lies in developing research on wood composites, bio-composites, natural fibre and biomaterials.
Championing sustainability through engineering and economic diversity
As part of his work at WSU, Dr. Khusairy Bakri champions sustainable construction practices through his collaboration with Eco-Shelter. By developing innovative materials such as durable, cost-effective bamboo roofs and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Dr. Khusairy contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects. These materials not only provide environmental benefits but also support economic growth in local communities.
This initiative engages local communities in India, encouraging farmers to cultivate bamboo, thereby fostering economic diversity and providing new income streams. Additionally, his research has demonstrated that bamboo roofs, with proper maintenance, can last between 10 to 15 years, offering a sustainable and economical solution for the construction industry.
Looking ahead, Dr. Khusairy plans to replicate this successful model in Sarawak, Malaysia, leveraging the region’s rich timber resources and collaborating with companies from China to expand the reach of these sustainable materials. His efforts not only highlight the potential of bamboo and CLT in modern construction but also pave the way for broader adoption of eco-friendly building practices both in Malaysia and globally.
Seeing the world while keeping sight of home
Dr. Khusairy’s passion for his work and relentless thirst for knowledge have also made him a seasoned traveller, with over 40 countries under his belt and counting.
His passport is decorated with stamps from Mexico, Russia, China, Japan, Kazakhstan and Romania, just to name a few. He believes that “travel gives the traveller a wider perspective on life and inspires one to think differently”.
With this in mind, Dr. Khusairy says that culture shock is non-existent when you’ve already opened your mind to the world’s possibilities. In fact, when he first moved to Washington State, he was surprised to find that things aren’t all that different from his hometown, Kuching in Sarawak. This has made it easier for him to settle down and acclimatise to his new way of life.
Even so, Dr. Khusairy remains deeply connected to Malaysia and gives back to the local industry through his role as Lead Research and Development and a Lifetime Member of the Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT) from Sarawak. Here, he plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research and practical application. His work focuses on integrating advanced research into real-world industrial applications, particularly in the sustainable construction and renewable materials sectors.
His work here also involves mentoring young technologists and technicians, ensuring they are well-equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to meet industry demands.
He is also registered and certified as a Graduate Engineer by the Board of Engineer Malaysia (BEM) and holds thetitles of Professional Technologist and Graduate Technologist by the Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT). These certifications underscore his expertise and dedication to maintaining high standards in the engineering and technology fields. Through these roles, he actively contributes to policy discussions and the development of industry standards, ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive on the global stage.
Furthermore, he continues to contribute as an independent writer for Malaysian news outlets like Bernama and Business Today, where he dives into topics like sustainability and economics.
Of connection, collaboration and curiosity
With regards to MyHeart, Dr. Khusairy believes it’s a good platform for Malaysians abroad to make connections and collaborate. He hopes to see MyHeart continue to develop and establish itself as a worldwide community with Malaysia at heart.
Before we ended our session with Dr. Khusairy, he left us with some wisdom for students who are looking to go down a similar path:
“I think the best part of education is being open to learning new things and sharing that knowledge with others. With technology always advancing, I believe that being adaptable and curious about different fields can help anyone become a well-rounded person, no matter their chosen career”.
If you’re a Malaysian living abroad who wants to join a global network of Malaysians for networking, career or collaboration opportunities, sign up on MyHeart today and get started!
