NIBONG TEBAL, Dec 14 – In engineering today, excellence is no longer measured by technical knowledge alone. It is defined by the ability to analyse complex problems, articulate ideas clearly and connect technology with sustainability and real-world impact.

That is the kind of education delivered by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and the recent national achievement of third-year Gas Engineering student Chu Xian Ching offers a clear example of this approach in practice.

Xian Ching, from the Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), secured the Second Runner-Up Award in the Technical Essay Writing Competition at the National Chemical Engineering Symposium (NACES) 2025. The competition involved students from public and private universities across Malaysia.

More than a writing contest, the competition assessed participants’ ability to translate advanced chemical engineering concepts into structured, evidence-based arguments grounded in sustainability, safety and industrial relevance. Xian Ching participated under the academic supervision of Prof. Dr. Lau Woei Jye and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhaniza Yusof, Head of the Department. This reflects UTM’s emphasis on close mentorship and guided intellectual development.

Organised in 2025 by Universiti Sains Malaysia with the support of The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), NACES is an annual international symposium previously hosted by Universiti Malaya andUniversiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The competition was conducted through online submissions and attracted strong participation from chemical engineering undergraduates nationwide.

The 2025 symposium carried the theme “Synergising Chemical Engineering and Sustainable Microelectronics for a Greener Future”. The theme challenged students to move beyond theoretical problem-solving and engage with global sustainability and climate responsibilities.

Xian Ching’s award-winning essay addressed a critical environmental issue in the semiconductor industry, namely the use of hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and high global-warming-potential gases in etching processes. His study explored the potential of 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (C₄H₂F₆) as a safer alternative in Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Etching (PEALE). The proposed approach demonstrates how engineering innovation can reduce carbon emissions while improving workplace safety.

The strength of the paper lay not only in its technical depth but also in its clarity, structure and relevance to real industrial challenges. These competencies are intentionally developed through UTM’s curriculum, assessment design and exposure to scholarly platforms.

For UTM, achievements such as this reflect an education model that prioritises critical thinking, research literacy, sustainability awareness and effective communication. Graduates are prepared not only to enter the workforce but also to contribute meaningfully to industry and society.

Xian Ching’s success illustrates how students trained in this environment are able to translate academic learning into national-level recognition and real-world relevance.