Research Bites is your research news digest which aims to capture the diverse research happening in our faculty, collated from various media outlets. In this edition…
Dr Leo Lin recently spoke with Bloomberg and was quoted for their investigation into Chen Zhi’s Prince Holding Group scam networks and transnational organised crime — a story that represents one of the most significant security challenges of our time.
This case involves industrial scam compounds, automated “phone farms” and “pig-butchering” scams targeting victims globally, human trafficking, cryptocurrency laundering, online gambling, and shell companies and business entities spanning more than 30 countries, including major jurisdictions in East and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines), Southern Europe (Cyprus), the Middle East (UAE), and the Caribbean (St. Kitts and Nevis). It is an empire that weaponised digital platforms, forced labour, and political protection on an unprecedented, multibillion-dollar scale.
It’s thorough, important journalism. Read the full article here (paywall): https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-10/how-cambodia-s-alleged-scam-kingpin-chen-zhi-made-billions-built-global-empire
Dr Tariq Aziz | Lecturer in Engineering is thrilled to share that his latest review paper with engineering colleagues has just been published in the Journal of Construction and Building Materials.
This work takes a deep dive into how surface treatment techniques can unlock the potential of crumb rubber as a viable aggregate in concrete, making construction more circular and sustainable. This research sits at the intersection of waste valorisation, green construction, and materials engineering — and offers a useful resource for researchers, engineers, and industry practitioners working toward more sustainable built environments.
If you’re working at the intersection of sustainable construction, waste valorisation, or circular economy — this one’s for you. You can access the article here: Surface treatments of waste tyres for sustainable concrete production: A performance, environmental and cost-based review.
