KUCHING – Chemical engineering students from the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus have once again claimed the IChemE Outstanding Final Year Design Project Award. Presented by the Palm Oil Processing Special Interest Group (POPSIG), this year marks the second year of their win. The 2024 winning project, “Valorization of Green Glycerol from Palm-Oil Derived Biodiesel Plant into 1,3-Propanediol via Catalytic Hydrogenation,” highlights a sustainable approach to palm oil by-products.
The team, comprising Tiffany Ang, Juliana Kiu, Selena Song, Clarence Lau, and Kumaraunnehelage Anupaja, was supervised by Ir Dr How Bing Shen, a senior lecturer in Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering and Science. Their innovative project focused on converting crude glycerol, a by-product from biodiesel production, into 1,3-propanediol, a valuable chemical. The project aims to foster a circular economy to improve the overall efficiency of resource utilization.
Clarence Lau expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment: “This achievement showcases our commitment to advancing sustainability in the palm oil industry.” He said the hard work and dedication of the team paid off.
The team also credited their success to the support they received from Swinburne Sarawak. According to Juliana Kiu, “We are grateful to Swinburne, our supervisors and the university’s teaching staff for their unwavering guidance. Receiving this award is truly an honour.”
Swinburne Sarawak’s chemical engineering program continues to demonstrate its ability to produce talented chemical engineers focusing on sustainability and innovative problem-solving. The university’s strategic curriculum equips students with skills to excel in both academic and industry settings.
Ir Dr How Bing Shen commented, “It’s essential that graduates are prepared with cutting-edge skills beyond the textbook. I’m proud to see our efforts in the classroom translated into such external recognition.”
Swinburne Sarawak’s chemical engineering department prioritizes continuous learning by regularly updating course content to reflect the latest industry advancements. Their hands-on approach ensures that graduates are ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving field.
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