Empowering Sustainability and Innovation: Highlights from SOMChE 2024 at Monash University Malaysia

Monash University Malaysia proudly hosted the 34th Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers (SOMChE 2024) from July 9-11, 2024. Chaired by Professor Ir. Dr. Chong Meng Nan, and Associate Professor Ooi Chien Wei (Edward), serving as Vice Chairperson, this year's symposium centred on the theme "Circular Economy and Multidisciplinary Engineering: Redesigning Systems for Resource Efficiency." The event aimed to foster enduring research partnerships and advance sustainability, reflecting the symposium’s commitment to addressing global challenges through chemical engineering and other related engineering fields.

The symposium attracted over 150 delegates from Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, China, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan, South Africa, the Philippines, and beyond. Attendees engaged in a variety of sessions over three days, including workshops, plenary and keynote sessions, and parallel oral and poster presentations.

Distinguished plenary speakers included:

  • Prof. Dato' Ir. Dr. Abdul Wahab bin Mohammad (University of Sharjah)
  • Prof. Junwang Tang (Tsinghua University)
  • Prof. Hongxia Wang (Queensland University of Technology)

Esteemed Scholars delivered keynote addresses, including:

  • Prof. Murali Sastry (Monash University Australia)
  • Prof. Chang Chen (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)
  • Prof. Rongjun Chen (Imperial College London)
  • Prof. Paul A. Webley (Monash University Australia)
  • Prof. Ir. Dr. Nor Aishah Saidina Amin (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)
  • Assoc. Prof. Ooi Chien Wei (Monash University Malaysia)

Early Career Researcher (ECR) Forum

The ECR forum, moderated by Dr. Tan Lling Lling, focused on academic career development and featured:

  • Keynote Speaker: Prof. Ong Wee Jun (Xiamen University Malaysia)
  • Invited Speakers:
    • Dr. Billie Yan Zhang Hiew (Heriot-Watt University Malaysia)
    • Ms. Irene Lock Sow Mei (Group Technical Solutions PETRONAS)
    • Ts. Dr. Serene Lock Sow Mun (Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS)
    • Ir. Dr. How Bing Shen (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus)

Energy Transition Forum

A compelling Energy Transition forum, moderated by Prof. Paul A. Webley, featured panellists including:

  • Dr. Feroz Sultan @ Maung Maung Myo Thant (PETRONAS Group Technology & Commercialization)
  • Ms. Adelina Awaluddin (ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions Malaysia)
  • Prof. Junwang Tang (Tsinghua University)
  • Prof. Joey Ocon (University of the Philippines Diliman)

Discussions focused on decarbonizing the energy sector, expanding renewable energy deployment, and advancing carbon capture, utilization, and storage initiatives.

Collaboration and Innovation

SOMChE 2024 was organized in collaboration with IChemE Malaysia, leveraging the success of previous editions. The symposium was a dynamic platform for researchers, scholars, engineers, and industry practitioners to showcase pioneering research and innovative solutions. The event facilitated meaningful interactions, discussions, and collaborations, furthering the goal of creating a sustainable and resource-efficient future.

This successful symposium underscores Monash University Malaysia’s dedication to empowering sustainability and innovation in the field of chemical engineering and beyond, solidifying its role as a leader in academic and industry collaboration.