Curtin Malaysia Chemical Engineering students get first-hand look at palm oil processing

Miri, Sarawak – 15 October 2026 – Thirty-seven chemical engineering students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) gained first-hand insights into large-scale palm oil processing and industrial operations during an educational visit to SD Guthrie Lavang Mill in Bintulu on 28 September.

Organised by the university’s Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Student Chapter, the visit gave the students an opportunity to see how chemical engineering principles are applied in an operational palm oil mill, from processing fresh fruit bunches to managing industrial waste and maintaining plant safety.

Accompanied by lecturers Dr. Angnes Tiong and Dr. Evelyn Chiong, the students participated in a programme designed to bridge classroom theory with industrial practice while deepening their understanding of the palm oil sector and its career opportunities.

The programme began with a welcome address and safety briefing by SD Guthrie representatives, followed by an interactive sharing session and question-and-answer forum with industry engineers. The students learned about operational challenges, career pathways, sustainability initiatives and the role of chemical engineers in improving process efficiency and environmental performance.

During a guided tour of the mill, the students observed key stages of palm oil production, including fresh fruit bunch (FFB) reception, sterilisation, threshing, pressing, clarification and waste management. The experience helped them understand how individual processing stages work together within a large-scale industrial operation, alongside the importance of equipment, safety procedures and efficient plant management.

Dhia Filzah Mazlan, one of the student organisers, said the visit offered a valuable opportunity to see engineering concepts applied in a working industrial environment.

“Observing how equipment transforms fresh fruit bunches into crude palm oil and palm kernel products gave us invaluable practical knowledge. We are deeply grateful to SD Guthrie for hosting us and sharing their expertise,” she said.

The visit was organised by chemical engineering students Dhia Filzah Mazlan, Tung Yen Yee and Nuryn Hidayah Mohd Hisyam under the leadership of IChemE Student Chapter President Camilla Rina Juan.

Dr. Angnes Tiong, IChemE Student Chapter Advisor, said exposure to industrial operations and plant safety practices helps students better understand the demands and responsibilities of professional engineering.

“Through their exposure to palm oil processing operations and plant safety practices at SD Guthrie Lavang Mill, our students gained practical insights that will better prepare them for their future careers. We sincerely thank SD Guthrie for their hospitality and knowledge sharing,” she said.

Professor Ir. Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, another advisor to the student chapter, highlighted the wider benefits of industry engagement, noting that site visits help students develop professional networks, confidence, leadership and organisational skills alongside their technical knowledge.

The visit concluded with an exchange of tokens of appreciation and a group photograph, recognising the collaboration and knowledge sharing between SD Guthrie and Curtin Malaysia.

Curtin Malaysia offers a four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering, accredited by Engineers Australia, the Board of Engineers Malaysia and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Based in Miri, Sarawak, the university provides students with opportunities to connect their academic studies with industry through practical learning and professional engagement.

For more information, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok and X.

Curtin Malaysia students with SD Guthrie staff at Lavang Mill.

Curtin Malaysia lecturers and student organisers exchange tokens of appreciation with SD Guthrie representatives.