Swinburne Sarawak Students Achieve IChemE Award 2024 for Outstanding Final Year Project
Chemical engineering students from the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science at Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus, have received the IChemE Outstanding Final Year Design Project Award for the second consecutive year. This recognition, awarded by the Palm Oil Processing Special Interest Group (POPSIG), honors the innovative project titled “Valorization of Green Glycerol from Palm-Oil Derived Biodiesel Plant into 1,3-Propanediol via Catalytic Hydrogenation.”
Student Team and Supervision
The team comprised students Tiffany Ang, Juliana Kiu, Selena Song, Clarence Lau, and Kumaraunnehelage Anupaja, under the supervision of Ir Dr. How Bing Shen, a senior lecturer in Chemical Engineering. Their project aims to convert crude glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, into 1,3-propanediol, which is recognized as a valuable chemical. This initiative supports the promotion of a circular economy and resource efficiency within the industry.
Significance of the Award
One team member noted the significance of the award, highlighting its importance for advancing sustainability in the palm oil sector. Another team member expressed gratitude for the guidance and support provided by the faculty at Swinburne Sarawak.
Commitment to Sustainability
The recognition reflects the university’s commitment to developing skilled engineers who possess knowledge of sustainable practices and innovative problem-solving. Ir Dr. How Bing Shen emphasized the necessity of equipping graduates with practical skills that extend beyond theoretical knowledge, indicating pride in the students’ achievements.
Curriculum Updates
The chemical engineering department at Swinburne Sarawak continues to update its curriculum to keep pace with current industry trends, ensuring that students are well-prepared to address challenges within the evolving engineering landscape.
Original source: Swinburne University of Technology
