Curtin Malaysia chemical engineering student Yiek Siew Teck wins POPSIG-KLK Palm Oil Video Competition

Miri – 24 August 2023 – Yiek Siew Teck, a talented third-year chemical engineering student of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), emerged as a winner in the POPSIG-KLK Palm Oil Video Competition recently.

Organised by the IChemE Palm Oil Processing Special Interest Group (POPSIG), the POPSIG-KLK Palm Oil Video Competition aims to provide a platform for budding engineering talents to showcase their innovative ideas and perspectives on the palm oil industry. It encourages participants to emphasise the importance of sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation, and advanced technologies for a promising future in palm oil processing.

Yiek’s winning video garnered accolades for showcasing the potential of advanced technology in the palm oil industry while highlighting its connection to promoting biodiversity and ensuring sustainable practices. The video eloquently depicted the future of the palm oil industry, combining innovation and sustainable practices to meet the increasing demand for this essential commodity.

Yiek walked away with a cash prize of RM 3,000 sponsored by KLK OLEO for his efforts. Two other winners in the competition were from Xiamen University Malaysia and Universiti Malaya.

Yiek’s video stood out among tough competition, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and the significance of sustainable palm oil practices. The video entitled  ‘Tomorrow’s Green Gold: The Palm Oil Process Plant of the Future’ effectively communicated the potential of advanced technology in revolutionising palm oil extraction and processing methods, improving efficiency, and reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.

“Palm oil is an essential ingredient found in numerous everyday products but its production is often associated with deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. I wanted to address these concerns in my video, to educate people about the real situation, and empower them to make responsible choices to ensure the environmental, social, and economic well-being of palm oil-producing regions,” said Yiek.

As a well-regarded institution for engineering education, Curtin Malaysia takes pride in nurturing talents like Yiek. The university fosters an environment that encourages students to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and advocate for sustainability in their respective fields. Yiek’s accomplishment exemplifies the dedication and passion that Curtin Malaysia instills in its students.

The three academic advisors to the Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student Chapter, Dr. Tan Yie Hua, Dr. Angnes Tiong Ngieng Tze and Associate Professor Bridgid Chin Lai Fui from Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, all remarked that they were proud of Yiek’s achievement.

They said that competitions like the POPSIG-KLK Palm Oil Video Competition provide students with opportunities to not only express their ideas and perspectives but also enhance critical skills that are valuable in the context of competitions and will be transferable to their future careers.

“We congratulate Siew Teck on this outstanding achievement,” said Dr. Tan. “His video serves as an inspiration for the industry as we work towards finding effective and sustainable solutions for the palm oil sector. It showcases the potential of advanced technology in preserving biodiversity and ensuring a prosperous, eco-friendly future for palm oil processing.”

Associate Professor Chin said Yiek’s win not only highlights the talent and dedication of Curtin Malaysia’s students but also underscores the university’s commitment to cultivating future leaders who will contribute to the sustainable growth of industries, such as the palm oil sector.

Yiek, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation to the IChemE POPSIG for organising the competition, and to the IChemE Curtin Malaysia Student Chapter advisors and his family members for their encouragement and support.

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is a global professional engineering institution with over 35,000 members in over 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to build and support a community and network of professionals involved in all facets of the chemical engineering discipline.

Curtin Malaysia offers Curtin’s four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering, which covers the development, design and operation of chemical processes and plants for the extraction, conversion and recovery of materials based on both chemical and biological systems.

This course prepares students for jobs in a wide range of industries, including petroleum refining, gas processing, petrochemical and polymer production, bio-processing and bio-production, biopharmaceutics and food processing, minerals extraction, and the production of industrial and fine chemicals. Curtin is ranked in the world’s top 150 universities for chemical engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at www.curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Yiek Siew Teck (3rd right) with student chapter advisors, Assoc Prof Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, Dr Angnes Tiong Ngieng Tze, and Dr Tan Yie Hua.