Curtin Malaysia hosts talk on safety in the palm oil industry

Miri, Sarawak – 20 August 2024 – The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Student Chapter at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently organised an engaging and insightful industrial talk on safety practices in the palm oil industry, featuring Curtin alumnus Jerin Thomas George, a seasoned Safety Officer and Group Health Officer at Sime Darby Plantation.

The talk, titled ‘Safety First: Practices in the Palm Oil Industry,’ offered a comprehensive exploration of industry safety protocols and highlighted the critical role of safety culture in driving operational excellence within Malaysia’s palm oil sector. Jerin, known for his expertise and engaging public speaking style, captivated the audience of 15 participants with real-world examples and practical advice drawn from years of frontline experience.

The event provided students with an invaluable opportunity to gain industry-relevant knowledge, particularly in light of the palm oil sector’s pivotal role in Malaysia’s economy. Jerin’s talk was not just a presentation but an interactive learning experience, sparking meaningful discussions among the students eager to better understand the safety challenges they may face in their future engineering careers.

Shaun Pang Khang Eer, the organising chairperson and a Mechanical Engineering student, praised the session’s relevance across engineering disciplines. “Although the talk focused on chemical engineering safety, the key principles shared apply universally across various engineering fields. For students like us, who are on the brink of entering the workforce, understanding these safety practices is critical. Safety isn’t just a protocol; it’s a mindset that every engineer must adopt to mitigate risks and enhance workplace efficiency,” Pang noted.

The talk, held online and streamed live at Curtin Malaysia, transcended theoretical knowledge, emphasising the practical realities of safety management in palm oil processing plants. Associate Professor Dr. Bridgid Chin, coordinator for the Process Safety and Risk Management and Palm Oil and Oleochemical Process units at Curtin Malaysia, commended the initiative, highlighting its potential impact on students’ career choices.

“This session opened our students’ eyes to the diverse career paths within the palm oil industry while reinforcing the importance of process safety in their future roles. We believe such engagements are crucial for preparing well-rounded engineers who can make informed decisions and contribute to safer, more sustainable practices,” she said.

Beyond the knowledge shared, the event served as a networking platform, allowing students to interact with industry professionals and explore emerging engineering solutions in the palm oil sector. As Malaysia continues to play a leading role in global palm oil production, understanding and implementing safety standards is more vital than ever, making talks like these pivotal in shaping the next generation of engineering professionals.

IChemE is the global professional engineering institution for chemical, biochemical, and process engineers and related professionals, with over 44,000 members in over 120 countries. Its mission is to build and support a community and network of professionals involved in all facets of the Chemical Engineering discipline.

The Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student Chapter remains committed to connecting students with industry leaders and facilitating events that build professional skills and knowledge. For more details, contact the Chapter at csichemesc@gmail.com or visit its social media pages.

More information on Curtin Malaysia can be found at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Curtin Malaysia students pose with Dr. Bridgid Chin (front row, right), with Jerin Thomas George on screen in the background