USM School of Chemical Engineering Hosts Inspiring Competitions and Outreach Events in April

Held at the Auditorium Hall, Lecture Hall Complex of the Engineering Campus, USMCEC 2025 provided an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their technical prowess in a series of competitive events. The opening ceremony was officiated by Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Syamsul Rizal Abd. Shukor, Deputy Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, and attended by distinguished guests including USMCEC Advisor and judge Dr. Fadzil Noor Gonawan, Professor Dr. Suzylawati Ismail (judge for the Technical Case Study & Presentation), and USMCEC Director Mr. Lee Kai Yee. Accompanying the guests of honour were CheSS Exco members Mr. Lim Wei Yuan, Ms. Nur Ayuni Mokhtar, and Mr. Aidid Daniel Helmi Chew.

  

This year’s competition featured five events: Technical Infographic, Technical Video, Technical Case Study & Presentation, Technical Essay, and the crowd-favourite Chemical Engineering Challenge.

Winners were announced in a prize-giving ceremony led by Associate Professor Dr. Syamsul Rizal. Highlights included:

Chemical Engineering Challenge: Champion - Ms. Neoh Zhi Jing; 1st Runner-Up - Mr. Yap Jia An; 2nd Runner-Up - Mr. Teo Jin.

Technical Case Study & Presentation: Champion - “Free Riders”; 2nd Place - “JJK”; 3rd Place - “ABK”.

Essay Writing Competition: Champion - Mr. Wong Choon Chung; 2nd Place - Ms. Liang Jia Tian; 3rd Place - Mr. Wong Jun Wei.

Technical Infographic: Champion - Ms. Tan Zhi Tian; 2nd and 3rd Places - Ms. Iznie Khadijah Mohamad Idris and Ms. Beh Yan Heng, respectively.

Technical Video Competition: Champion - “Family Mart”; 2nd Place - “HL Milk”; 3rd Place - “Intangible

The event not only showcased student innovation but also reinforced USM's role in nurturing future engineers through competitive, hands-on learning.

Just days after the conclusion of USMCEC, CheSS successfully launched a new initiative: the Chem-E Expo 2025, held at KCK1 Lecture Hall. Aimed at introducing chemical engineering to secondary school students and promoting the School of Chemical Engineering to nearby institutions of higher learning, the event was a significant step in community outreach and STEM education.



The Expo was officiated by the Dean of the School, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, accompanied by Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Syamsul Rizal Abd. Shukor and event advisor, Dr. Fadzil Noor Gonawan also present.

Six secondary schools participated in the event: Akademi Sains Pendang, SMK Sungai Acheh, SMK Panglima Bukit Gantang, SMK Sri Perak, SMK Simpang Empat, and SMK Saujana Indah. Additionally, chemical engineering student representatives from UiTM Permatang Pauh joined to exchange insights and foster academic collaboration.

The Expo featured a series of engaging activities including lab visits, technical demonstrations, and interactive sessions aimed at sparking interest in chemical engineering among younger students.

A Dual Success for CheSS and USM

Both events underscored the commitment of the School of Chemical Engineering and CheSS to promoting academic excellence, technical innovation, and public engagement. The enthusiastic participation of students, faculty, and guests highlighted the collaborative spirit that continues to define the School’s success.

As USM looks to the future, events like USMCEC and Chem-E Expo serve as a testament to the university's dedication in preparing the next generation of engineers and inspiring future scientists.

Text by : Associate Professor Dr. Mohamad Hekarl Uzir
Photo by : ChESS