IChemE Malaysia Awards 2022 winners announced
17th October 2022
The winners of the 11th Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Malaysia Awards 2022 have been announced at the awards ceremony which took place virtually on 17 October. Trophies were awarded in seven categories for excellence in chemical, biochemical and process engineering.
Sime Darby Plantation’s innovative breakthrough in enzyme application to enhance palm oil recovery saw them crowned as winners of both the Sustainability Award and the Palm Oil Award. Their easily adaptable, low cost, and most importantly, more sustainable process improves palm oil extraction rate as well as increasing revenue.
The Process Safety Award was scooped by PETRONAS Penapisan who created Chemical Hazard Reactivity and Physical Hazard Compatibility Charts in response to the port warehouse explosion in Beirut on 4 August 2020 which killed more than 200 people. Implemented as part of a process to ensure adequate controls are taken on site, these charts were essential to maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
A simple, but innovative nanobubble floatation technology for oil removal from water saw PETRONAS Group Research and Technology win the Oil and Gas category. Their compact and customisable solution reshapes the treatment system maximising hydrocarbon production while reducing the environmental impact.
Dr Khoo Kuan Shiong, PhD, of Yuan Ze University, Taiwan took home the enviable Young Researcher Award and is recognised for his dedication to high-quality research and his commitment to sustainability. Dr Khoo’s work collecting and cultivating microalgae from the region supports the commercialisation of sustainable feedstock, bioproducts and bioenergy as well as reducing greenhouse gases. He has also developed a safer extraction process for microalgae.
University of Nottingham, Malaysia, was victorious in the Student Chapter category for a second year running for their diverse programme of activities across eight countries, while Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS’ Interactive Virtual Reality Plant Tour earned them the Training & Development Award. Their system utilises digital technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences beyond the physical limitations of a classroom in a highly engaging way.
Ir Dr Viknesh Andiappan, who chairs the IChemE Malaysia Awards judging panel, said:
“Many congratulations to all the 2022 IChemE Malaysia Award winners! This year's winners demonstrate chemical engineers' commitment to sustainability, safety and quality of life. Plus, it’s wonderful to see how our academics and student community are actively sharing that passion and pushing forward with new technologies.
“Our awards recognise the highest standards within the chemical engineering community and all our winners should feel very proud of their achievements. I am thrilled to recognise and celebrate the value that they bring, both to the profession and to society.”
Rafil Elyas, Vice Chair of the IChemE Malaysia Board, said:
“I’m delighted to be able to celebrate our community of chemical engineers in IChemE’s centenary year. From the Institution’s inaugural meeting in 1922 in London to more than 30,000 chemical engineers worldwide today, our profession has certainly evolved.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners for their hard work and commitment to the profession.”
Winners of the IChemE Malaysia Awards will automatically be entered into corresponding categories at the IChemE Global Awards, to be held in Manchester, UK, on 17 November 2022. Winners of the Global Awards are also eligible for the overall award, Outstanding Achievement in Chemical and Process Engineering.
Official winners of the IChemE Malaysia Awards 2022
Oil & Gas Award
Winner: PETRONAS Group Research and Technology, Malaysia – Nanobubble for Enhanced Separation
Highly commended: CO2 Research Centre (CO2RES), Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Malaysia – Hollow Fiber Membrane Prediction Program (HFMPPTM)
Palm Oil Award
Winner: Sime Darby Plantation Research, Malaysia – Enzyme Application at Diluted Crude Oil
Highly commended: IOI Edible Oils, Malaysia – Palm Based Bio-lubricants
Process Safety Award
Winner: PETRONAS Penapisan (Terengganu), Malaysia – Chemical Reactivity Matrix at Storage Facilities
Highly commended: Petronas, Malaysia – Process Safety Focused Enhancement
Student Chapter Award
Winner: University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Highly commended: Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Malaysia
Sustainability Award
Winner: Sime Darby Plantation Research – Enzyme Application at Diluted Crude Oil
Highly commended: Top Glove Corporation – Reclaimed NBR Safety Shoe Outsole
Training & Development Award
Winner: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia – Interactive Virtual Reality Plant Tour
Highly commended: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, PETRONAS Group Technical Solutions and Monash University Malaysia – Recycle3Go
Young Researcher Award
Winner: Khoo Kuan Shiong - Yuan Ze University, Taiwan
Highly commended: Claudia Li Chia Chirng - National University of Singapore, Singapore
Contact
For more information please contact:
Claire Shepherd, Communications Executive, IChemE
t: +44 (0) 1788 534457
e: cshepherd@icheme.org
Lucy Cook, Communications Manager, IChemE
t: +44 (0) 1788 534454
e: lcook@icheme.org
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution worldwide for the benefit of society. We support the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of over 30,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.