Curtin students gain hands-on insights into palm oil processing

MIRI: Thirty-seven chemical engineering students from Curtin University Malaysia gained first-hand exposure to large-scale palm oil processing, industrial operations and sustainability practices during an educational visit to SD Guthrie Lavang Mill here on Sept 28.

Organised by the university’s Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Student Chapter, the visit provided an opportunity for students to bridge classroom theory with practical industrial applications while exploring career opportunities in the palm oil sector.

Accompanied by lecturers Dr Angnes Tiong and Dr Evelyn Chiong, the students attended a safety briefing and an interactive session with industry engineers, who shared insights into operational challenges, process efficiency, environmental management and career pathways.

During a guided mill tour, the students observed key stages of palm oil production, including fresh fruit bunch reception, sterilisation, threshing, pressing, clarification and waste management.

The visit also highlighted the importance of plant safety, equipment management and operational efficiency in large-scale processing facilities.

Student organiser Dhia Filzah Mazlan said the experience provided valuable insights into the practical application of engineering principles.

“Observing how equipment transforms fresh fruit bunches into crude palm oil and palm kernel products gave us invaluable practical knowledge.

“We are deeply grateful to SD Guthrie for hosting us and sharing their expertise,” she said.

IChemE Student Chapter advisor Dr Angnes Tiong said industrial exposure was essential in preparing students for the demands of professional engineering.

“Through their exposure to palm oil processing operations and plant safety practices at SD Guthrie Lavang Mill, our students gained practical insights that will better prepare them for their future careers,” she said.

Another chapter advisor, Professor Ir Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, said industry engagement also helped students build professional networks, confidence, leadership and organisational skills alongside technical expertise.

The visit was coordinated by Dhia Filzah, Tung Yen Yee and Nuryn Hidayah Mohd Hisyam under the leadership of IChemE Student Chapter president Camilla Rina Juan.

It concluded with an exchange of appreciation tokens and a group photograph, reflecting the collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and SD Guthrie.

Curtin Malaysia offers a four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering, accredited by Engineers Australia, the Board of Engineers Malaysia and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Based in Miri, Sarawak, the university provides students with opportunities to connect their academic studies with industry through practical learning and professional engagement.

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