Overview

In the 1700s, the first Industrial Revolution saw the use of steam and water power as well as mechanization. In the late 1800s, the second Industrial Revolution saw assembly lines and mass production as well as electricity. In the 1980s, the third Industrial Revolution saw computers and automation coming into play.

Now we have Industry 4.0 and many people ask how it will affect process engineering and manufacturing. Artificial intelligence is growing and data is set to drive the economy. Productivity and quality is improved through smart manufacturing and reducing risks. That includes connectivity, Big Data and analytics.

How do we thrive in this digital world that is moving at an exponential rate? How do we prepare ourselves? What comes next? As the title of the paper suggests it is a continuum and not limited to ‘industry’. The author will try to put all these into perspective. He will provide examples of what is possible in the palm oil industry as it has the whole spectrum of technological progress.

He concludes by sharing how cognitive computing, using exponentially more data from increasingly connected plants, make process plants more efficient and safer than ever whilst adding increasing value to the industry.

Speaker

Qua Kiat Seng is a chartered chemical engineer with a 32 year career in operations in the palm oil industry covering oil refining, foods, oleochemicals, soap and toiletries.

He worked for Unilever, ICI and KLK in Malaysia and overseas. Before he retired he was GM of Uniqema Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Subsequently he advised IChemE in Malaysia for a decade on a part-time basis. He guest lectured on sustainable palm oil processing to chemical engineering undergraduates at Monash University Malaysia. He speaks on sustainability, process safety, capability management and manufacturing. He continues to volunteer at IChemE as founder member of POPSIG as well as its board member 2018-19.

He is part-time advisor to the ASEAN Oleochemical Manufacturers Group and is its representative on the RSPO SC T&T as well its sub-group Oleochemicals and its Derivatives.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Palm Oil Processing Special Interest Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.