Curtin Malaysia senior lecturer receives Best Presenter Award at international technology and innovation conference

Miri – 26 July 2023 – Dr. Tan Yie Hua, a senior lecturer in the Chemical and Energy Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), won the esteemed Best Presenter Award at the 7th Technology and Innovation International Conference held recently.

Dr. Tan’s accolade was granted in recognition of her pioneering project, ‘Virtual Industrial Visits using Virtual Reality Glasses in Chemical Engineering’. The Technology and Innovation International Conference, organised annually by the Research and Innovation Centre, Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti), serves as a platform for researchers, professionals, and industry practitioners to share and exchange ideas and advancements in various disciplines.  It attracts participants from around the world, who contribute their innovative research and development achievements across diverse fields. This year’s conference was held in Kuching and organised in collaboration with Politeknik Negeri Nunukan, Indonesia and other partners.

Dr. Tan’s project garnered attention for its groundbreaking application of virtual reality (VR) technology in the field of engineering education. Through the use of VR glasses, Dr. Tan’s project allows students to virtually experience industrial environments related to their study of chemical engineering, providing them with a uniquely immersive learning experience. Students can experience realistic simulations of chemical plants, processes, and equipment, enhancing their understanding of complex operations, safety protocols, and real-world challenges.

Dean of Learning and Teaching at Curtin Malaysia, Professor Tang Fu Ee, said Dr. Tan’s innovation has the potential to transform how students comprehend complex industrial processes and enhance their practical understanding of chemical engineering concepts.

“Dr. Tan’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring researchers and fellow academics, highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration in pushing the boundaries of knowledge,” he remarked.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, meanwhile, remarked that the Best Presenter Award is a testament to Dr. Tan’s expertise and remarkable ability to communicate her research effectively.

“Dr. Tan’s presentation demonstrated her passion and commitment to advancing engineering education through the application of cutting-edge technology,” said Professor Vu.

Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Tan said, “I am honoured to receive the award, which acknowledges the potential impact of incorporating VR technology into educational practices. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of my colleagues and students at Curtin Malaysia.”

Dr. Tan’s project was funded under Curtin Malaysia’s Teaching Innovation Project Fund, which is a seed fund aimed at encouraging faculty members at Curtin Malaysia to apply innovative approaches to teaching and learning. In particular, the fund supports academics in developing initiatives that improve learning and teaching practice, increase student engagement, and enhance student learning experiences. Dr. Tan carried out this learning and teaching project with her chemical engineering students.

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

Best Presenter Award winner Dr Tan Yie Hua