IChemE Malaysia winners up for global awards

The winners of the 11th Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Malaysia Awards 2022 have been announced. At the awards ceremony, which took place virtually on Oct 17, trophies were awarded in seven categories for excellence in chemical, biochemical and process engineering.

Sime Darby Plantation’s innovative breakthrough in enzyme application to enhance palm oil recovery saw the company crowned winners of both the “Sustainability Award” and the “Palm Oil Award”.

Its easily adaptable, low-cost and, more importantly, more sustainable process improves palm oil extraction rate, besides increasing revenue.

The “Process Safety Award” went to PETRONAS Penapisan, which had created the Chemical Hazard Reactivity and Physical Hazard Compatibility Charts in response to the port warehouse explosion in Beirut on Aug 4, 2020, which killed more than 200 people.

Implemented as part of a process to ensure adequate controls are taken on site, these charts are essential to maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

A simple but innovative nanobubble floatation technology for oil removal from water saw PETRONAS Group Research and Technology win the “Oil and Gas Category”.

Its compact and customisable solution reshapes the treatment system, maximising hydrocarbon production while reducing environmental impact.

Dr Khoo Kuan Shiong of UCSI University, who took home the prestigious “Young Researcher Award”, was recognised for his dedication to high-quality research and his commitment to sustainability.

Khoo’s work collecting and cultivating microalgae from the region supports the commercialisation of sustainable feedstock, bioproducts and bioenergy, while reducing greenhouse gases.

He has also developed a safer extraction process for microalgae.

University of Nottingham Malaysia was victorious in the “Student Chapter Category” for the second year running for its diverse programme of activities across eight countries, while Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS earned the “Training & Development Award” for its “Interactive Virtual Reality Plant Tour”. The latter utilises digital technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences beyond the physical limitations of a classroom in a highly engaging way.

Dr Viknesh Andiappan, who chaired the IChemE Malaysia Awards judging panel, said in a press release that the winners represented the commitment to sustainability, safety and quality of life shown by chemical engineers. “It’s wonderful to see how our academics and student community are actively sharing that passion and pushing forward with new technologies.

“Our awards recognise the highest standards within the chemical engineering community and all our winners should feel very proud of their achievements. I am thrilled to recognise and celebrate the value that they bring, both to the profession and to society.” IChemE Malaysia Board vice chair Rafil Elyas said the profession has greatly evolved from the institution’s inaugural meeting in 1922 in London, the United Kingdom, to include more than 30,000 chemical engineers worldwide today.“I would like to congratulate all the winners on their hard work and commitment to the profession.”

Winners of the IChemE Malaysia Awards will automatically have their entries entered in corresponding categories at the IChemE Global Awards, to be held in Manchester, UK, on Nov 17.

Winners of the Global Awards are eligible for the overall award: Outstanding Achievement in Chemical and Process Engineering.