MIRI: Chemical engineering students of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) have long known that their study of chemical engineering can extend to some rather unusual places, but not necessarily a confectionery and a brewery.
A group of 24 undergraduates of the university’s Department of Chemical Engineering discovered just that when they went on study tours to Beryl’s Chocolate and Confectionery Sdn Bhd and Heineken Malaysia Berhad in Selangor recently.
The visits were organised by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Student Chapter of Curtin Malaysia. Accompanying the students were senior lecturers Dr Bridgid Chin Lai Fui and Dr Zeinab Abbas Jawad.
At the Beryl’s Chocolate and Confectionery industrial plant in the Seri Kembangan Industrial Area, the students were briefed on the company’s history and the process of chocolate production. They also viewed Beryl’s Gallery, where they learned about the origins of cocoa, the different types of chocolate and the ingredients that go into premium chocolates.
Beryl’s Chocolate and Confectionery Sdn Bhd was established in 1995 with the primary aim of producing the very best chocolates for both the local and global markets. Beryl’s started out with manufacturing consumer-packed chocolates that were sold mainly to duty-free shops and supermarkets across the country and has since established itself as a major regional chocolatier.
At Heineken Malaysia Berhad in Petaling Jaya, the students learned about the various aspects of the brewery and its operations.
Following a briefing on the company and its brand, they were taken on a tour of the brewery where they learned the brewing process that includes milling, malting, mashing, lautering, boiling, fermenting, conditioning, filtering and filling.
The company’s human resource executive also gave the students insights into career opportunities at the company, including its Asia Pacific Graduate Programme (APGP) Experience for new graduates.
Heineken Malaysia, founded in1964, brews, markets and distributes the World’s No. 1 international premium beer Heineken and also produces the premium quality non-alcoholic Malta. Its brand portfolio also includes popular brands like Paulaner, Kirin Ichiban and Smirnoff Ice.
Organising chairperson for the visits, third-year student Kevin Tong Tian Xiang said the visits provided the students valuable insights into the roles of chemical engineers in other industries besides oil and gas which are common in Sarawak.
He added that such study visits provide students the opportunity to relate the chemical engineering knowledge they acquire in the classroom to real industry practices.
Fellow third-year student and vice-organising chairperson Chang Xin Xiong remarked that organising the visits provided him a good opportunity to engage with people in industry and also hone his leadership skills.
Meanwhile, Dr Chin, who is IChemE Student Chapter’s academic advisor, said she was very supportive of such student activities because they provided students valuable opportunities to learn away from the classroom.
“Students can have fun learning in a more informal environment and get hands-on experience. They get to relate their knowledge and understanding of chemical engineering theories to industry in terms of industrial unit operations, process and design concepts, and the impact of their activities on health, safety, environment and society,” she said.
The IChemE Student Chapter of Curtin Malaysia serves to promote the latest developments and advances in the field of chemical engineering among Curtin Malaysia students. It also creates networking opportunities by bringing students and industrial representatives together through various events and activities.
For more information on the student chapter, email csichemesc@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CMIChemESC/, or its website at https://cmichemesc.jimdofree.com.
