Curtin Malaysia engineering students gain firsthand insights into palm oil sustainability at MJM Mill

Miri, Sarawak – 29 August 2025 – Engineering students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) gained rare behind-the-scenes access to the palm oil industry during an educational visit to MJM Palm Oil Mill in Bekenu, where they explored how industrial by-products are being turned into sustainable construction solutions.

Organised by Curtin Malaysia in collaboration with Best Quality Batching Sdn. Bhd., the visit was led by Dr. Yong Leong Kong and showcased the mill’s advanced operations, including the Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) system and the handling of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) and fly ash. Both materials are increasingly recognised as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) that could reduce the construction sector’s environmental footprint.

Basil Chua Chung Hau, General Operations Manager of MJM Palm Oil Mill, said, “We are delighted to showcase our technologies to Curtin Malaysia students. By-products like POFA and fly ash hold exciting potential for sustainable applications, and it is inspiring to see young engineers exploring these opportunities with fresh perspectives.”

Jeremy Yaw Hou Yuen, Director of Best Quality Batching Sdn. Bhd., echoed the sentiment. “Collaboration between industry and academia accelerates innovation. By tapping into alternative materials such as POFA and fly ash, we can reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. Students are key to driving this change,” he said.

The visit highlighted Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to bridging classroom theory with real-world industry practice, preparing graduates to tackle sustainability challenges in the built environment.

Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Wong Kwong Soon, Head of Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, stressed the value of such exposure. “Experiential learning gives our students the ability to see how technical knowledge translates into practical solutions. Understanding the potential of by-products like POFA and fly ash not only strengthens their technical expertise but also inspires them to contribute to sustainable development in construction.”

Curtin Malaysia expressed gratitude to MJM Palm Oil Mill and Best Quality Batching Sdn. Bhd. for their support in enriching student learning and advancing research collaborations in sustainable engineering.

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

Students touring MJM Palm Oil Mill facilities.

Dr. Yong (right) presented a souvenir to Basil Chua, observed by MJM staff.

Dr. Yong (front row, third right) and students with Chua (front row, fifth left) and mill staff.