The roadshow was held on 04 March 2020.

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Over the past few decades, Malaysia’s palm oil industry has grown into importance, serving an integral part in supporting and driving the regional economy. In an effort to promote awareness surrounding the palm oil industry, Palm Oil Processing Special Interest Group (POPSIG) university roadshow was held on the 4th of March 2020 in Heriot-Watt University from 2PM to 5PM. IChemE’s POPSIG as well as Heriot-Watt University’s IChemE Student Chapter jointly organized the university roadshow. Eloquent speakers from IChemE POPSIG, the Malaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Novozymes, a global biotechnology company as well as KLK Oleo, an oleochemical company were invited to enlighten participants of the palm oil industry. The university roadshow attracted a good amount of participants, mainly consisting 99 undergraduate students, staff members, as well as a few external participants outside of Heriot-Watt University.

Professor Ir. Dr. Denny Ng Kok Sum, the university’s Associate Head of School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, kicked off the roadshow with a welcoming speech. This was then followed by an introduction of IChemE POPSIG by Dr. Viknesh Andiappan, an exco-member as well an Assistant Professor in Heriot-Watt University. He provided the participants a deeper insight into the foundation and purpose behind POPSIG.

Next, Dr. Yew Foong Kheong of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) delivered his presentation regarding the truth about palm oil, clearing the air about misleading information against the global palm oil industry.

Participants were then asked to take a break with a variety of refreshments served. Participants were also reminded to ask their questions through an interactive Q&A platform, to be discussed during the discussion panel.

Following this, Ir. Hong Wai Onn, the current Honorary Secretary of IChemE in Malaysia Board, Chair of IChemE POPSIG as well as a technical service manager at Novozymes with more than 10 years of operational experience in the palm oil industry was invited to enlighten participants of the role of chemical engineers in the palm oil industry.

As important as it is to understand the role that chemical engineers play in the palm oil industry, it is of equal importance for the participants mainly consisting undergraduates pursuing chemical engineering, to understand the importance of being chartered in the development of a professional career as a chemical engineer. Thus, Ms. Theresa Lok, an associate member of IChemE was invited to deliver her presentation regarding getting chartered.

After the series of well-spoken speeches by the invited speakers, an insightful and interesting panel discussion session took place where Ir. Dr. Calvin Chok, a technology manager at KLK Oleomas was invited to participate as a panelist as well.

The university roadshow ended with a small gesture of appreciation from the university, presenting the speakers a small token of appreciation. The IChemE student chapter of Heriot-Watt is extremely thankful for the time and effort the speakers took to share their insightful knowledge.