Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student Chapter empowers students with carbon footprint workshop led by global expert

Miri, Sarawak – 5 December 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia’s (Curtin Malaysia) IChemE Student Chapter successfully hosted a Carbon Footprint Workshop that brought together 27 students and staff, all eager to strengthen their understanding of carbon management and industrial sustainability – areas increasingly critical to Malaysia’s green transition.

The workshop was led by Professor Ir. Dr. Dominic Foo, an internationally recognised authority in process integration and sustainable technologies. Professor Foo serves as Professor of Process Design and Integration at the University of Nottingham Malaysia and Founding Director of the Centre for Green Technologies (CEGT).

With over 230 journal papers, 11 authored books, and Fellowships in both the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), Professor Foo’s leadership lent exceptional depth and credibility to the event.

Throughout the workshop, the participants engaged in detailed case studies showcasing real industrial applications of carbon reduction strategies, ranging from Tongkat Ali extraction processes to edible oil refining. These examples illustrated how systematic process integration can significantly minimise carbon footprints across diverse industries.

Professor Foo also provided a broader context, examining global and national sustainability efforts, including Malaysia’s initiatives in renewable energy, biomass utilisation, and emerging low-carbon technologies. The discussion highlighted the growing opportunities for engineers to drive innovation in carbon management and decarbonisation.

Third-year Chemical Engineering student Mariam Felice Mikim shared that the workshop clarified how carbon reduction strategies can be applied in complex industrial scenarios. “Professor Foo’s concluding remark – ‘Carbon removal is possible, only if we wish to do it’– was especially inspiring. It reminds us that meaningful change starts with intention,” she remarked.

Francine Lee, Vice-President of the Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student Chapter, noted how the workshop deepened her understanding of the role of process integration, saying, “The case studies showed practical ways industries can balance economic performance with sustainability goals.”

Other participants similarly praised the workshop for its relevance and clarity, noting that it provided both technical insights and a broader understanding of the policies shaping Malaysia’s low-carbon future.

Meanwhile, IChemE Student Chapter Advisor Dr. Angnes Tiong highlighted the workshop’s impact. “It is encouraging to see students actively engaging in learning experiences that cultivate sustainability, environmental responsibility, and informed decision-making,” she stated.

The Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student Chapter expressed its sincere appreciation to Professor Foo for his invaluable contributions. The workshop reinforces Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing sustainability-driven engineers equipped with the knowledge and tools to tackle global environmental challenges through thoughtful, data-informed solutions.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Dr. Tiong (3rd left) presenting a souvenir to Prof. Foo, witnessed by Lee (2nd left) and Student Chapter President Chong Siew Wen.

Professor Foo (centre) with participants at the end of the workshop.