Curtin Sarawak student chapter members gain valuable insights into industry

Miri – 25 November 2016 – In line with their university’s commitment to providing industry-relevant teaching and learning, two student chapters of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) recently organised an industrial visit and workshops for their members to gain insights into the latest technological advances in industry.

The two student chapters involved were the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Curtin Sarawak Student Chapter and the Institute of Materials Malaysia (IMM) Curtin Sarawak Student Chapter.

40 members of both chapters, accompanied by senior lecturer of mechanical engineering Dr. Rajamohan Ganesan, went on the industrial visit to the OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. industrial plant at Samalaju Industrial Park in Bintulu. The purpose of the visit was to learn about various aspects of the plant’s facilities and operations, including the production of ferrosilicon and ferro-manganese intermediate products.

Later, the student chapters conducted a series of workshops on corrosion engineering and welding technologies. Two workshops entitled ‘Corrosion Control Awareness’ and ‘Welding Technology Awareness’ were facilitated by Ir. Dr. Edwin Jong Nyon Tchan, a professional engineer registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia and a chartered engineer of the Engineering Council, United Kingdom.

During the workshops, Ir. Dr. Jong also spoke about his 21-year working experience with Sarawak Shell Berhad/Sabah Shell Petroleum Company as their principal materials and corrosion engineer and technical authority.

The workshops were followed by a hands-on welding workshop at Advanced Metallurgy and Welding Technology Sdn. Bhd., a metallurgy and welding technology training and certification centre providing various technical training, assessment and certification courses. The workshop was conducted by certified welder-trainer Manja anak Melat.

According to advisor to the student chapters, Dr. Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, the workshops were highly beneficial to the students as they provided valuable learning outside of the classroom and the opportunity to observe real-life industry practices.

The IMechE Curtin Sarawak Student Chapter was established in 2013 and serves to promote the latest developments and advances in the field of mechanical and materials engineering among Curtin Sarawak students, as well as create opportunities for them to expand their professional networks.

Formed in May this year, the IMM Curtin Sarawak Student Chapter is the fourth IMM student chapter to be established in Malaysia and is fully supported by both the IMM Council and IMM Miri Chapter. Its objective is to provide students a tangible link with the IMM so that they are in tune with the latest advancements in materials engineering and technology.

Members from both student chapters at OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd.

Welder-trainer Manja anak Melat (right) with students at the end of welding workshop.