Overview

This event is open to all engineering students at UCSI, Malaysia. The recording will be available from 02 August 2021. Live presentation available on UCSI IChemE Student Chapter - Facebook channel.

Two topics will be covered during the presentation:

• Introduction to IChemE POPSIG — Dr Viknesh Andiappan
• The Role of Chemical Engineers in Palm Oil Industry — Mr Prasath Ramani

Speakers

Dr Viknesh Andiappan

Dr Viknesh Andiappan is an assistant professor at Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia. He now serves as the Deputy Chair of IChemE POPSIG.

In 2013, he obtained his MEng. (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering from The University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus. Later that year, he was the recipient of the Dean PhD Research Scholarship at The University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus. He completed his PhD the within two and half years in 2016. In 2017, he obtained Chartered Engineer qualifications and is currently a chartered member of IChemE. In 2019, he was shortlisted as the finalist for the IChemE Young Researcher Malaysia Awards.

Dr. Vik is well-published and well-cited for a young researcher with over 33 publications and an h-index of 10. Hiss area of specialisation centres on the development of systematic design approaches for biomass energy systems and value chains. His research aims to integrate process design and operational considerations simultaneously to synthesise biomass energy systems and value chains. His research interests also include process synthesis and analysis of energy systems, synthesis of integrated bio-refineries, process simulation, industrial symbiosis planning and energy planning for greenhouse gas emission reduction.

Mr Prasath Ramani

Mr. Prasath is a chemical engineer with 10 years of professional experience in the edible oils processing, oleochemicals and biodiesel. He started off as a process engineer supporting edible oils plant operation, leading base projects and process improvements. Then, he moved as a project process engineer coordinating a major oleo-specialty project covering engineering, construction and commissioning while working closely with reputable PMC, EPCC and technology leader. As a project manager, he has successfully executed 17 major edible oils projects, supported in plant detailed design, engineering, installation and commissioning whereas a people manager, he led a team of 4 plant commissioning engineers.

At present, he is an industrial technology specialist where he incorporates his process know-how and technology competencies to bridge the gap between edible oils / oleochemicals / biodiesel industry and application of enzymes. He determines the project approach, drive and carry out R&D projects as well as helping to scale up into process plant serving as technical specialist and project leader while working closely with customers and engineering partners.

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.

Best post-event report competition

This event is eligible for the entry to POPSIG best post-event report competition. The winner will receive cash prize and certificate of achievement from IChemE POPSIG. The selected report will also be published on IChemE Newsletter (2021, Issue 18).

IChemE will not be storing or controlling any data linked to this event.