Chem-E Summer Course 2026
The Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), Indonesia, successfully co-hosted the Chem-E Summer Course 2026 from 20 to 24 April 2026 in Semarang and Kudus, Indonesia. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional academic collaboration and advancing engineering education that is both globally relevant and locally impactful.
Bringing together students and academic experts from both institutions, the programme provided an immersive platform for interdisciplinary learning, knowledge exchange, and cross-cultural engagement. Designed to bridge theoretical understanding with real-world application, the summer course integrated academic lectures, hands-on workshops, industrial exposure, and community-based activities—ensuring a holistic learning experience beyond the conventional classroom.
A key strength of the programme lies in its strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Participants were exposed to cutting-edge topics such as biomass valorisation, catalytic pyrolysis, and the integration of sustainability frameworks into engineering practice. These were complemented by a practical DIY Waste-to-Fuel workshop, which emphasised accessible, low-cost technologies for rural and community applications—directly supporting inclusive and sustainable energy solutions.
The programme also featured a series of technical and industrial visits, including exposure to pyrolysis and waste-to-energy facilities, as well as an industry visit to PT Djarum Oasis. These activities provided participants with valuable insights into the practical implementation of sustainable technologies, reinforcing the importance of industry-academia integration in engineering education.
Academic contributions from both UiTM and UNDIP played a central role in the success of the programme. UiTM was represented by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Nur Hashimah Alias, who delivered a session on community-focused waste-to-fuel technologies, and Dr. Muzakkir Mohammad Zainol, who presented on biomass valorisation pathways for sustainable fuel production. Dr. Siti Norazian Binti Ismail further supported the initiative as a Student Advisor, facilitating student engagement and cross-cultural learning. From UNDIP, Prof. Ir. Didi Dwi Anggoro, M.Eng., Ph.D. shared expertise on catalytic pyrolysis for fuel production, while Prof. Dr. Diana Nur Afifah delivered insights on sustainability frameworks and SDG integration.
UiTM further reinforced the academic value of the programme by granting official lecture exemptions to participating students, recognising the summer course as an integral component of experiential and global learning. This reflects the institution’s broader commitment to producing industry-ready graduates equipped with international exposure and practical competencies.
Beyond academic enrichment, the programme also fostered meaningful cultural exchange through activities in Semarang and Kudus, enabling participants to develop intercultural awareness and global perspectives—key attributes for future engineers operating in an increasingly interconnected world.
From a strategic perspective, the co-hosting of the Chem-E Summer Course 2026 represents a significant step towards strengthening ASEAN-centric collaboration in higher education. By integrating academic excellence, industry engagement, and community impact, the initiative establishes a strong foundation for future partnerships in research, student mobility, and innovation-driven programmes.
More importantly, it demonstrates a shift in engineering education—from theory-driven instruction to application-oriented learning that directly addresses global sustainability challenges. Through initiatives like this, UiTM and UNDIP are not only enhancing their global engagement but also contributing meaningfully to the advancement of the SDGs by equipping future engineers with the knowledge and skills required to drive sustainable solutions in the region and beyond.