Creating studentindustry chemistry
THE Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) student chapter at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) recently organised a three-day event at the Utar Sungai Long Campus in Selangor to create awareness of the world of chemical engineering.
Called Insight 2018, the inaugural programme aims to show that there was more to chemical engineering beyond lecture halls and laboratories, as well as the vast career opportunities it holds.
Event chairperson Wong King Xuan said: “We wanted to provide a platform for the students to experience and learn more about chemical engineering. There are numerous events and courses in the university, yet not many know what chemical engineering is and what it does.
“Insight is the first event that focuses on this. We want students from different backgrounds to get a clearer picture of what chemical engineering is all about. We also wish to provide them with an opportunity to build connections with companies that are present here.”
Insight 2018, sponsored by the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (Margma), was attended by Utar (R&D and Commercialisation) vice-president Professor Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, Margma vice-president Dr S. Supramaniam, Utar Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science dean Professor Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Insight adviser Dr Ng Yee Sern, vendors, staff and students.
Lee said: “This is a good initiative for you (students), especially the part where you are able to link up with industry players. Although we have a good syllabus, it is still not complete without the industrial component.
“Do not be too selective. Just because the working environment is dirty, dangerous and hot, it does not mean that you should avoid it. Of course you have to be safe, but, beyond that, you also have to be adaptive.
“Being able to put together an exhibition of this nature, especially in chemical engineering, is impressive. It is not an easy task to get the private sector from actual companies to get involved.”
He also encouraged the students to apply for an internship programme with Margma.
Supramaniam said: “You need to get your hands dirty. It is a huge learning experience that you will not get elsewhere.”
The first day of the event saw booths set up by exhibitors from private companies related to chemical engineering. The exhibition aimed to expose students the to job opportunities available in the chemical engineering field. It also aimed to provide company employers with the opportunity to recruit potential future engineers.
The second day featured talks and workshops on topics like water treatment systems, and auto distillation and mixing technology.
The third day held the Plant Design Modelling Competition. The competition aimed to foster a fun way to learn chemical engineering among students. It also provided a platform for the students to build and strengthen connection among one another.
It saw first- to fourth-year students building 3D plants using recycled materials according to the title given — converting biomass to biodiesel via the Fischer-Tropsch process.
Ten groups of students participated in the competition. The champion brought home RM500 cash, while the first runner-up took home RM300. Consolation prizes were given to the third, fourth and fifth place winners.