Dr Karen Kong Gah Hie

Dr Karen Kong Gah Hie

  • Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
  • School of Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
SDGs Focus

Biography

Dr Karen Kong Gah Hie is currently a postdoctoral researcher at ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ University, specializing in Process Systems Engineering, with a focus on decarbonization strategies. Her primary research interests lie in the optimization of renewable energy utilization under carbon reduction targets, employing various methodological approaches. Dr Kong has consistently applied her expertise in developing mathematical models to ensure the effectiveness of decarbonization planning across regions. Previously, she investigated the feasibility of peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading networks over multiple periods, employing fuzzy multi-objective optimization techniques to determine optimal coalition structures. She has also developed a multi-period energy planning software incorporating P-graph methods, considering the dynamics of P2P energy trading. Her current research (2023 to date) explores the integration of Power-to-X (P2X) technologies within decarbonization frameworks and examines how regional collaboration can contribute to achieving overall decarbonization goals. As the first author, Dr Kong has published numerous articles in prestigious chemical engineering and energy journals, including Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering, Energy, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.

Academic & Professional Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical Engineering), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia (2023)
  • Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honors), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia (2018)
  • Foundation in Science, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia (2014)

Research Interests

  • Process intergration
  • Macro-scale energy planning
  • Mathematical modelling
  • Renewable energy
  • Process systems engineering

Notable Publications

  1. 2022 - Lo, SLY, Kong, KGH, Tang, MF, Sunarso, J, How, BS 2022, ‘Synthesis of bio-hydrogen supply network via graph- theoretic approach coupled with Monte Carlo simulation model’, IOP Conference Series: Mater. Sci. Eng, vol. 1257, pp. 012011. 
  2. 2021 - How BS, Lo, SLY, Kong, KGH, Teng, SY 2021, ‘Stochastic Modelling for Palm Biomass Supply Chain’, Sustainable Technologies for Oil Palm Industry, Springer Nature, pp. 259- 185. 
  3. 2021 - Kong, KGH, Lo, SLY, How, BS, Leong, WD, Sunarso, J 2021, ‘Inter-entities symbiotic relationship with the use of multi-period methodology in Energy planning’, IOP Conference Series, vol. 1195(1), pp.012011. 
  4. 2021 -  Lo, SLY, Kong, KGH, How, BS, Lim, JY, Show, PL, Sunarso, J 2021, ‘Techno-economic evaluation of micro- algae-based supply chain: Review on recent approaches’, IOP Conference Series, vol. 1195(1), pp. 012026. 
  5. 2021 - Kong, KGH, How, BS, Teng, SY, Leong, WD, Foo, DCY, Tan, RR, Sunarso, J 2021, ‘Towards data-driven process integration for renewable energy planning’, Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering, vol. 31, pp. 100665.  
  6. 2020 - Kong, KGH, Lo, SLY, How, BS, Leong, WD, Teng, SY, Ng, WPQ, Sunarso, J 2020, ‘Enhanced Automated Targeting Model (ATM) for Multi-Period Energy Planning’, Chemical Engineering Transactions, vol. 81, pp. 607-612.  
  7. 2020 - Lo, SLY, Choo, JJL, Kong, KGH, How, BS, Lam, HL, Ngan, SL, Hsion, C, Sunarso, J 2020, ‘Uncertainty Study of Empty Fruit Bunches-based Bioethanol Supply Chain’, Chemical Engineering Transactions, vol. 81, pp. 601-606.  

Achievements & Accolades

Achievements
• 2024 – Innovative Technology Science and Technology Award, Zhejiang University Chemical Engineering and Olefin Polymerisation Research Group – First prize
• 2023 – Pitch your research, Swinburne Postgraduate Research Society – Second runner-up
• 2022 – Tun Taib Scholarship (State-funded scholarship) Award
• 2021 – 32nd Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers (SOMChE) 2021–Best presenter award

Projects
1. Interaction Mechanism and Integration Methods of Green Electricity-Hydrogen Energy-Industrial Coupling Networks Postdoctoral Researcher Jan 2023 – Dec 2026 National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
2. Optimisation Study for Scheduled Waste Treatment Plant Allocation Planning Principal Researcher May 2025 – Nov 2025 Greenverse Sdn Bhd

Professional Associations

• Associate Member (Membership no: 100095429), Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) (2018–Present)
• Graduate Engineer (Registration no: G1183176A), Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) (Since 2018)