"Is AMilk" Triumphs with Gold and Best Invention for Women Award at International Innovation Expo 2024

For centuries, milk been a cornerstone of human diets, regarded as the foundation for nourishing the young and delivering key nutrients for growth and development. However, the global dairy industries are unlikely to remained unchanged in the years to come. We forecast a gradual shift in consumer preferences towards dairy, driven by the increasing awareness of sustainability and the demand for healthy food products among the millennials. Cow farming contributed to climate changes due to greenhouse gases emissions. It also requires a vast tract of land for free grazing land and utilizes large amounts of clean water. To top it all off, the supply chain for dairy milk has also long been a challenge in many regions. Farming may not be feasible in places with limited arable land, further worsening the supply of reliable nutrient rich milk to the communities that could potentially benefit from it to alleviate global malnutrition issues. Aside from sustainability and food security concerns, many people can not enjoy milk or its derivatives due to lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies.

A group of scientists from the School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, recently unveiled with a remarkable invention called “Is AMilk” that could revolutionize the era of dairy milk industry and address the issues its faces. The team successfully developed a plant-based milk from a unique raw material found only in palm sources. The palm raw material provides an excellent source of high-quality protein essential for the body. The group has filed a patent for this invention. “We harnessed what the mother earth has provided us with” says the team lead Dr Lee Yee Ying.  “Through many attempts, we critically thought outside the box on find a way to revolutionize the Malaysia palm industry, which is abundant here”, We aimed to create alternative dairy milk that is not only sustainable and nutritious but also significantly cheaper than diary milk and other plant-based milks like soy milk, almond milk and walnut milk. The team, for the first time, challenges the “status quo” of palm by extending its application and transforming it into a fast-moving consumer good. In Malaysia, palm is one of the most important commodities traded and key economic drives for the country. Most of the time, palm fruitlets are only harvested for their vegetable oil used for cooking. The use of palm sources as raw material for this invention creates new economic usage for the palm crops ,which provide an additional income stream for the palm industry and offer a buffer against price fluctuations  of other oil commodities on the market.

While commercial plant-based milk production relies on blending and water extraction, our patented technology utilizes a simple and easily adaptable enzymatic treatment. This novel approach maximizes protein extraction from palm sources. “Is AMilk” consequently boasts a complete set of amino acids, and an excellent protein content, surpassing most commercially plant-based milks. The team further investigated the product digestibility which reflects how well our bodies digest it. They discovered that “Is AMilk” exhibits digestibility equivalent to dairy milk and superior to most plant-based milks alternatives. High digestibility ensures sufficient protein delivery to the body for our growth and malnutrition management. The technology also addresses anti-nutrients in the raw materials, which can hinder digestion. Sensory evaluation by a panel of 100 participants showed that “Is AMilk” received high scores for its smooth and and silky texture, with a subtle hint of roasted and sweet flavour.  The product versatility extends to lactose free product development, as it can effectively replace milk in various recipes. “Is AMilk” is positioned to capture a wide market due to its unique combination of features. It’s an excellent plant-derived protein source, free from lactose and allergens and offered at affordable price. This makes it ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and even non-vegetarian consumers.

Dr Lee Yee Ying, along with her fellow scientists Mr Tong Shi Cheng, Assoc Prof Siow Lee Fong and Dr Tang Teck Kim from School of Science, Monash University Malaysia have achieved remarkable success with their invention, “Is AMilk”. The team recently won the gold award at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition 2024 (ITEX 2024). Their achievement doesn’t stop here. “Is AMilk” also received special recognition of “Best Invention for Women at ITEX 2024, standing out amongst the 700 inventions from 19 countries and regions showcased at the exhibitions. This innovative product further garnered a Silver Award in Malaysia Technology Expo 2023. The invention received funding support from both the campus’s High Impact Research Grant and the School’s Leap to Market grants along with student support provided from students Mr Tan Hong Sen and Ms Heah Tzi Lyn.

Dr Lee Yee Ying (right) receiving the Best of Women Invention from Datuk Dr Choo Yuen May (left). “Is A Milk” standing out amongst the 700 inventions from 19 countries and regions showcased at the ITEX 2024 exhibitions.

From left: Dr Lee Yee Ying, Prof Emily Goh Joo Kheng, Head of School, School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Prof Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Pro Vice- Chancellor, Monash University Malaysia.

The research team. From left Mr Tong Shi Cheng, Assoc Prof Siow Lee Fong, Dr Lee Yee Ying.

Monash University Malaysia Invention “Is AMilk” Won Gold and Special Award- Best Invention for Women at The International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition 2024 which was held from 16 to 17 May 2024  at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Contact: Dr. Lee Yee Ying

Phone: 03-55159716

Email: Lee.YeeYing@monash.edu