Curtin Malaysia’s IChemE Student Chapter inspires next generation of engineers with ‘EcoEngineering Symposium’

Miri, Sarawak – 3 October 2024 – In an effort to inspire the future leaders of engineering and promote STEM education, 42 secondary school students from Miri participated in the ‘EcoEngineering Symposium’ organised by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Student Chapter of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently. The event aimed to ignite curiosity and raise awareness about the critical role of chemical engineers in solving real-world environmental challenges.

Students from SMK Pujut, Pei Min Middle School, and SMK Chung Hua Miri engaged in an immersive learning experience led by Associate Professor Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, Associate Professor Lau Shiew Wei, and Dr. Angnes Tiong Ngieng Tze from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science. Through hands-on workshops and interactive competitions, the programme introduced the students to the vital processes behind wastewater treatment and emphasised the importance of pursuing STEM-related fields to address global challenges.

A highlight of the symposium was the ‘Wastewater Treatment Plant Model Design Contest’, which encouraged the students to apply their creativity and critical thinking skills to solve practical environmental problems. The programme also included a series of workshops which provided not only technical knowledge but also fostered teamwork, problem-solving, and project management abilities – skills that are essential for the engineers of tomorrow.

Choo Yuit Khuan, a third-year Chemical Engineering student and the event’s organising chairperson, expressed the event’s broader vision, saying, “By collaborating with the IMechE Student Chapter, we were able to show secondary school students the exciting possibilities within STEM, and how chemical and mechanical engineers play a vital role in addressing environmental issues. This event was not just about learning, it was about inspiring these young students to see the impact they can have through engineering.”

One of the central themes of the symposium was sustainability in engineering, particularly in wastewater management – an essential part of Curtin Malaysia’s Chemical Engineering curriculum. Associate Professor Dr. Lau, who led the session on wastewater treatment, emphasised the real-world importance of engineering in tackling pressing environmental challenges.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students actively sharing what they’ve learned in the classroom with the wider community. The next generation needs to understand that engineering is more than just a career, it is a way to contribute meaningfully to society by solving critical issues like water scarcity and pollution,” she said.

Dr. Tiong echoed these sentiments, adding that the symposium provided a valuable platform for knowledge transfer. “This hands-on experience gave secondary school students a glimpse into the world of engineering and how they can apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world problems. We hope that events like this will spark a lifelong interest in STEM and encourage students to consider engineering as a future career,” she remarked.

Beyond wastewater treatment, the Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student Chapter also hosted an AutoCAD workshop and competition, further expanding the students’ exposure to engineering design and practical skills. These initiatives form part of Curtin Malaysia’s wider strategy to not only promote STEM education but also to nurture the next generation of problem-solvers who can innovate for a sustainable future.

Associate Professor Chin, meanwhile, underscored the value of such outreach programmes in reinforcing the university’s commitment to quality education, as highlighted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: “The opportunity to inspire and mentor the younger generation is invaluable. Events like this serve as a bridge between secondary education and university, showing students that a quality education can lead to impactful careers in engineering.”

The IChemE Student Chapter of Curtin Malaysia serves to promote the latest developments and advances in the field of chemical engineering among Curtin Malaysia students, as well as create networking opportunities between students and industry professionals.

For more information on the student chapter, email csichemesc@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CMIChemESC/ or its website at https://cmichemesc.jimdofree.com.

Curtin Malaysia offers Curtin University’s four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering, which is double-accredited by both Engineers Australia and the Board of Engineers Malaysia, as well as the IChemE. The course has extensive support and collaboration from industry players, and Curtin Malaysia’s location in Miri, an oil and gas hub, and nearby the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), provides students ample opportunities for industry exposure and practical learning.

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

Group photo of participants with staff and student facilitators at the start of the symposium

Dr. Lau delivering an insightful session on wastewater treatment

Students in action during the ‘Wastewater Treatment Plant Model Design Contest’

Group photo during the symposium closing ceremony