Developing human capital
AS the first and biggest chemical engineering institute in Malaysia, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology (UniKL MICET) plays a crucial role in generating skilled workers in these fields.
Most industries in Malaysia require workers with the ability to handle chemical engineeringrelated equipment or machineries compared to graduates who major in theoretical design.
According to UniKL MICET dean, Assoc Prof Dr Ruzainah Ali@Jaafar, “Many students do not want to enrol in the chemical and bioengineering fields due to the worry of not being able to secure a job as the oil and gas sector has now started to limit recruitment of new employees. However, chemical and bioengineering is still a highlysought after field in the industry as its scope is not limited to only the oil and gas sector.”
Assoc Prof Ruzainah added that the graduates in this field have promising career opportunities. Among the industries that offer jobs are manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, industrial chemical, consultation and research.
To prove this, the employability of UniKL MICET graduates is very commendable with 87% obtaining employment six months after graduation.
Assoc Prof Ruzainah commented that UniKL MICET graduates are sought after by employers, as they are exposed to real machines or equipment used in the industry during their studies. Therefore, graduates would not have any problem handling machineries immediately after starting their job, as they do not have to undergo training in operating the industrial equipment.
The equipment provided by UniKL MICET is of industrial scale, as the institute emphasises practical approach and every student in UniKL MICET has the basic knowledge in chemical and bioengineering, along with their specialisation, which can be polymer, process, food, bioprocess or environment.
To produce graduates who are required by the industry, UniKL MICET has taken the initiative to provide complete and up-to-date facilities and equipment in the chemical and bioengineering field.
UniKL MICET has over 43 laboratories including chemical analysis lab, chemical technology lab, preparatory lab, polymer analysis and testing lab, rubber processing lab, food processing and analysis lab, chemical product testing and analysis lab, computer lab, water treatment lab, air pollution control lab, environmental science lab and Pilot Plant.
UniKL MICET is also a World First Next Generation 3D Design Solution for Chemical Plants training centre that uses the Plant Design Management System (PDMS) and 3D design software.
“It is even more impressive, as the 3D design software is the first of its kind in the world to be used in teaching and learning in a university,” Assoc Prof Ruzainah highlighted.
The 3D design software can be applied for the oil and gas, petrochemical and marine industries.
She also revealed that the facilities could be used to train 60 students at a time, with 30 for PDMS and another 30 for 3D design.
Assoc Prof Ruzainah is positive the establishment of the centre will improve the marketability of the institute’s graduates by enhancing their professional skills.
The software will be utilised by the undergraduates when they take up the Plant Design 1 and Plant Design 2 subjects.
With these facilities, UniKL MICET students will get the exposure to the latest and modern software in designing chemical plants, producing graduates that meet industry requirements coupled with the capabilities and competencies to seek employment in the global market.
After almost 16 years in operation, UniKL MICET has produced over 4,000 graduates in chemical and bioengineering technology who are employees in various industrial sectors.
■ For more details, call 06-551 2000 or e-mail asimi@unikl.edu.my