MIRI: Yiek Siew Teck, a third-year chemical engineering student at Curtin University Malaysia, has emerged as the victor in the prestigious POPSIG-KLK palm oil video competition.
The competition, organised by the IChemE Palm Oil Processing Special Interest Group (POPSIG), provides a platform for budding engineering talents to exhibit their inventive insights into the palm oil sector.
Yiek’s triumphant video presentation has garnered widespread acclaim for its portrayal of cutting-edge technology’s potential in the palm oil domain, while also accentuating its interrelation with biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices.
The video artfully envisions the forthcoming landscape of the palm oil industry, seamlessly blending innovation and sustainable methodologies to cater to the escalating demand for this indispensable commodity.
His award-winning video, titled “Tomorrow’s Green Gold: The Palm Oil Process Plant of the Future”, masterfully communicates the revolutionary impact of technology on palm oil extraction and processing, ameliorating efficiency while mitigating industrial ecological repercussions.
The accolades for Yiek’s effort include a substantial RM3,000 cash prize generously provided by KLK Oleo. Other distinguished victors hail from Xiamen University Malaysia and Universiti Malaya.
“Palm oil is a crucial ingredient present in countless everyday products, yet its production often evokes concerns of deforestation, habitat degradation, and biodiversity decline.
“My video aims to address these apprehensions, educating people about the actual scenario and empowering them to make conscious choices that ensure the environmental, social, and economic prosperity of palm oil-producing regions.”
Curtin Malaysia, renowned for its engineering education, takes immense pride in nurturing talents like Yiek.
The institution fosters an environment that nurtures boundary-pushing, innovation-embracing students who champion sustainability in their respective domains.
Yiek’s achievement epitomises the commitment and ardor that Curtin Malaysia instils in its students.
The academic advisors of the Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student Chapter, namely Dr Tan Yie Hua, Dr Angnes Tiong Ngieng Tze, and Associate Professor Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, effusively expressed their elation over Yiek’s feat.
They underscored the competition’s role in augmenting critical skills essential for students’ forthcoming careers.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Siew Teck for this exceptional accomplishment. His video serves as an industry inspiration, propelling us towards effective and sustainable resolutions for the palm oil sector.
“It eloquently exhibits the potential of advanced technology in conserving biodiversity and securing an affluent, eco-conscious future for palm oil processing,” Tan remarked.
Assoc Prof Chin emphasised how Yiek’s triumph not only spotlights the skill and commitment of Curtin Malaysia’s students but also underscores the university’s dedication to fostering future leaders who will catalyse the sustainable evolution of industries, including the palm oil domain.
Yiek conveyed his gratitude to IChemE POPSIG for organising the competition and acknowledged the unwavering support of his family and advisors.
