How a focus on sustainability is creating more chemical engineering jobs

4 October 2022

Since 2016, Malaysian public-listed companies are mandated by Bursa Malaysia to include sustainability-related information in their annual reports. This is one of the factors that have led to an increase in sustainable work processes and procedures as well as more job opportunities, particularly in the chemical engineering field.

Companies are now moving away from utilising non-renewable energy and putting more emphasis on renewable fuels and chemicals.

The food industry, for example, is improving food processing techniques and fertiliser production to help increase the quantity and quality of food resources while catering to the growing population.

Companies are also adopting solutions to environmental issues and practicing higher standards of pollution control and remediation. New methods are being developed to combat air and water pollution, which remain among the country’s key challenges .

As the number of vehicles on the road increases in Malaysia, the automotive industry  has taken the initiative to promote hybrid or electric cars which would help reduce carbon emissions.

With Malaysia being the world’s third largest natural rubber producer and contributing 41% of the world’s rubber supply, its waters have taken the brunt of production. The improper disposal of untreated rubber effluent to waterways can risk the health of humans and the environment. To address this, an enzyme water treatment was developed and is being used widely.

Chemical engineers are highly sought after

Companies are always seeking sustainable solutions while maintaining high production numbers and quality. With the requirement to produce a sustainability report every year, companies have to step up, and this means more jobs for chemical engineers.

The knowledge and expertise of chemical engineers are now required in the field of:

• Manufacturing: To maximise productivity and product quality while minimising cost, and ensuring environmental laws in Malaysia are adhered to. This has led to new jobs, such as green process engineers, to develop environmentally benign chemical processes and products that meet the environmental regulations.
• Food processing: To produce eco-friendly packaging such as edible or recyclable packaging, biodegradable plastic and even analysing the quality of soil before the planting of crops and maximising yield, creating jobs for environmental engineers or alternative food designers.
• Design and construction: To apply Site Environmental Practices (SEPs) to reduce water, air and sound pollution from sites, and implement the Green Building Index, where construction materials are harvested from local, natural and renewable sources in a sustainable way. Jobs such as air pollution engineer and air quality specialist are growing and are important in combating climate change and pollution caused by construction.

Other fields that require the expertise of chemical engineers include pharmaceuticals, healthcare, petrochemicals, speciality chemicals, microelectronics, biotechnology and the environmental health and safety industry.

Meeting the demand for quality chemical engineers

At Monash Malaysia, you can pursue a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) and open more doors to a successful future.

Professionally recognised and accredited by Engineers Australia and Engineering Accreditation Council Malaysia, this program would allow you to work anywhere in the world without needing to requalify.

During your studies, you will learn in and experience a pilot plant. This process allows you to experience first-hand what it takes to design and develop new chemical processes in an environment that mimics industry settings, which will help to increase your employability.

You will have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and leaders through workshops, industry site visits, networking evenings and leadership summits.  This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the role of a chemical engineer as well as industry insights, expectations, and challenges.

As an engineering student at Monash Malaysia, you will also be able to immerse yourself into a genuine research environment to decide if research is for you. You will work alongside leading researchers and acquire knowledge and skills that will prove helpful in your final year project and higher degree studies.

Sustainability has caused a surge in demand for chemical engineers as they are at the forefront of most production and research processes. With a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) from Monash Malaysia, you will be well  prepared for a lasting and rewarding career.

Click here to pursue a career in sustainability.