Hui Tong Chua

Prof. Hui Tong Chua is a Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Western Australia (UWA). He holds a PhD from the National University of Singapore (NUS), with prior roles including Assistant Professor at NUS (1999–2004) and Senior Tutor (1998–1999). His research focuses on Heat and Mass Transfer, Thermodynamics, Process Engineering, and Waste Heat Utilisation, with notable contributions to the Hazer Process—a methane cracking technology spun off into Hazer Group Ltd., which raised $5M via IPO in 2015.

Key research areas include geothermal energy, desalination systems driven by low-grade heat, and nanomaterial synthesis via lamp ablation. He has pioneered technologies like geothermal air conditioning and waste heat-driven desalination, addressing sustainability challenges. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable clean energy and climate action.

Prof. Chua has secured 24 grants totaling over AU$ millions, including leadership in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation (2023–2030). He has been awarded 20+ prizes, including the Best Oral Presentation (2023) and Honorary Fellow (2022). His patents encompass graphite morphology control, boron nitride nanostructures, and hydrogen production systems.

His team’s recent work includes developing empirical models for outdoor pool thermal performance and advancing nanomaterial-based energy storage systems. He actively collaborates with industries like Hazer Group and Worsley Alumina, translating research into real-world applications.