Overview

In close collaboration with POPSIG, IChemE Student Chapters at Curtin University Malaysia and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak jointly hosted the East Malaysia University Roadshow on 14 September 2021, from 09:00 to 12:45 MYT.

The virtual event was participated by seven universities in ASEAN nations:

• Malaysia: Curtin University Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, University College of Technology Sarawak
• Brunei: Universiti Teknologi Brunei
• Indonesia: Institut Teknologi dan Sains Bandung

The speakers and panelists contributed to this event are Dr Viknesh Andiappan (POPSIG), Prasath Ramani (Nozoymes/POPSIG), Vicky Chia (MPOC), Galau Melayong (SOPB), Ir Shyam Lakshmanan (IOI) and Ir Tian Foon Howe (MJM).

Summary

During the discussion, Vicky gave an overview about the roles of MPOC, MPOCC and MPOB in palm oil industry, of which MPOC focuses on Malaysian palm oil promotion and market expansion both locally and overseas, by enhancing its image to create better acceptance.

Ir Tian highlighted that many companies were following the SOPs outlined by the authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the outbreak in palm oil mill. He also emphasised that marketing knowledge, palm oil processing, optimisation on plant and water treatment process were essential for an engineer to involve in managerial roles. On the waste management in sustainable palm oil industry, he explained that the decanter cake, a solid waste, was dried before exporting as animal feedstock, which was at a high demand.

Ir Lakshmanan shared that the investment in new chiller system contributed to carbon footprint reduction and the minimisation of energy uptake, while the bio-fertiliser contributed to supply chain development and promote green footprint. The effluent stream in palm oil processing was selectively useful to generate power. In the context of sustainability, he described that the aerobic effluent treatment plant processed the water to below 100 COD, and the water was recycled while the effluent accounted for a low volume.

Galau stated that the labour issue was a great challenge to today's palm oil industry, particularly due to the lockdown during the pandemic while the foreign labours are not permitted to travel. He commented that the transfer of knowledges from the books to actual industry was not direct, and suggested to graduate engineers to apply their knowledge on chemical engineering in mill and refinery.

Prasath shared his experiences in process improvement, optimisation and energy reduction projects, while working together with other employees on the project. He commented that the young engineers should develop a positive attitude towards problem solving, which is at the core of chemical engineers' career.

During the event, Dr Andiappan discussed the topics on the benefits of palm oil to human health, strategies on climate change, sustainability issues, media coverage and opportunities for chemical engineers in the palm oil industry.

Winners for the quiz

Congratulations to all the winners for the quiz.

Curtin University Malaysia

• Priyankavani Maga Nadan
• Melvin Wee Xin Jie
• Elvira Evita Erich
• Rachel Yee Fung Mei

Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak

• Stephanie Wong Ying Lin
• Precious Keza Bisangwa
• James Seo Chai Fah
• Audrey Stefanie Anak Julip

University of Malaysia, Sarawak (UNIMAS)

• Chan Yong Soon
• Vanecey Jakelei
• Eva Natasya Chloreg
• Danny Lee Wei Lun

University Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

• Ornell Tamin
• Syahidatul Shafiqah Binti Ramlee
• Nurul Amni Samuel
• Nurin Nadia Binti Hariffin

University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS)

• Wong Jing Xiong
• Elvis Tang Swee Bin
• Ling Xia Yun
• Alex Sim Kiat Lung