JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 19 – ChemE Cube 2024, organized by Institution of Chemical Engineers Student Chapter (IChemE-SC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), made its first ever appearance at UTM, acquiring significant attention and success. With the theme “Think Beyond the Cube”, the event spotlighted the creativity and technical skills of aspiring chemical engineers as they designed innovative mini chemical plants contained in one cubic feet cube. These designs focus on creating environmentally friendly solutions, supporting Net Zero emissions, and advancing sustainable energy while fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 9, 12, and 13.
ChemE Cube2024 was successfully integrated with the Chemical Reaction Engineering (SETK 3263) course, enhancing the learning experience for students by combining academic knowledge with practical application. The competition drew nearly 170 participants, including students as competitors and faculty members and industry professionals serving as judges. The event provided a dynamic platform for students to gain practical experience, allowing them to pitch innovative ideas and apply classroom theories to solve real-world problems. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, teamwork, and problem-solving, the competition helped participants develop essential skills highly valued in the industry. By integrating the competition into the SETK 3263 course, students experienced firsthand how classroom learning can translate into impactful and creative solutions, making this collaboration a hallmark of experiential learning at the faculty.
Under the leadership of Program Director, Amir Hakimi Rosmadi, and Program Vice Director, Abdul Amir Khan Nurul Rahman, the event was smoothly executed. Supported by the Head of Chemical Engineering Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hajar Alias, and guided by the program advisor and Chemical Reaction Engineering course coordinator, Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin, particularly in project crafting, financial management, and event planning, the competition achieved remarkable success while offering valuable learning opportunities for the organizing team.
A panel of esteemed judges, comprising academics and industry experts, added prestige to the competition. Internal judges from UTM lecturers included Prof. Madya Ir. Dr. Mazura Jusoh, Dr. Mahadhir Mohamed, Dr. Mohd Asmadi Mohammed Yussuf, Dr. Muhamed Yusuf Shahul Hameed, Dr. Mohamad Sukri Mohamad Yusof, Dr. Nur Hafizah Ab Hamid, Dr. Tengku Nur Zulaikha Tengku Malim Busu, and Dr. Hamidah Kamarden. Representatives from PETRONAS, Engineering & Spiritual Education, Bunge Loders Croklaan, and Century Bond Bhd. provided technical insights and constructive feedback, helping participants elevate their designs and innovations. ChemE Cube 2024 celebrated UTM’s innovative culture while showcasing the potential of future chemical engineers to address global sustainability challenges. The event’s success underscored the importance of creativity, collaboration, and environmental responsibility in shaping a sustainable future.
The event concluded on a high note, featuring a closing speech by our distinguished guest, Professor Ir. Dr. Nor Aishah Saidina Amin, Head of IChemE Clean Energy Special Interest Group. In her remarks, she expressed her gratitude for the program’s success and commended the organizers for demonstrating that IChemE initiatives are in capable hands.
Looking ahead, ChemE Cube 2024 has established itself as a pioneering program, setting a benchmark for future improvements in event management, collective effort between committees, and industry partnerships. Plans are already in motion to elevate the event to a national level next year, reflecting its growing impact and ambition. ChemE Cube seeks to empower the next generation to think outside the box and innovate solutions to tackle the ongoing challenges of reducing global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050.
By: Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin, Amir Hakimi bin Rosmadi, and Abdul Amir Khan Nurul Rahman
Source: UTM NewsHub