KULAI, June 10 – A delegation from the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), recently visited Kurita Water (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. in Kulai for a technical discussion on a University – Industry Exchange (UNIX) project focusing on green scale inhibitor research.

The UNIX programme is a distinctive initiative organised by FKT, integrating the Final Year Project (FYP) and industrial training over a one-year period. Established by FKT in 2010, UNIX is one of FKT’s signature Global Branding through Creativity and Innovation (GBCI) projects. The programme aims to add value to industrial training by expanding and maximising its benefits to the university, students and the industry partners.

Through the UNIX programme, students undertake FYP 1 in one semester, complete an 11-week industrial internship during the short semester, and continue with FYP 2 in the following semester. This structure directly links industrial engagement with UTM research activities, ensuring that research projects remain relevant and applicable to industrial and commercial needs.

The research project, entitled “Development of Green Inhibitors for Scale Control”, is led by Dr. Amni Haslinda Alpandi, together with her research team members, Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin, and Dr. Asiah Nusaibah Masri, who also serve as faculty supervisors for the respective students involved in the UNIX project.

Three undergraduate students from FKT have been selected to participate in this UNIX project, namely Adam Hakimi Mohamad Zaini from the Department of Petroleum Engineering, Nurfadilla Hanim Fadil from the Department of Chemical Engineering, and Mohamad Hanis Mohd Izazi from the Department of Energy Engineering.

Kurita Water Malaysia, a subsidiary of the globally recognised Kurita Group, specialises in water treatment solutions for various industrial applications. During the meeting, representatives from Kurita Water Malaysia, including Ton Rohisham Ton Manan and members of the Technical and Human Resources departments, engaged in discussions with UTM lecturers and students regarding the project’s objectives, implementation plan, and expected outcomes.

As part of the discussion, the UNIX students delivered a 10-minute presentation outlining their proposed research on green scale inhibitors. Scale refers to the accumulation of insoluble mineral deposits on surfaces that come into contact with flowing fluids. These deposits can negatively affect equipment performance, reduce operational efficiency, and increase maintenance costs. Although conventional scale inhibitors are widely used in industrial systems due to their effectiveness, concerns regarding environmental impact and toxicity have encouraged industries to seek greener and more sustainable alternatives. The students’ research aims to contribute to this growing effort by exploring environmentally friendly solutions for scale control in industrial water treatment systems.

The discussion session focused on the project roadmap for the coming year, including research milestones, technical support, knowledge-sharing activities, and internship opportunities for the participating students. Both UTM and Kurita Water Malaysia expressed their commitment to ensuring that the project outcomes remain relevant to industrial needs while fostering stronger collaboration between UTM and Kurita Water Malaysia.

During the session, Kurita representatives also shared insights into the company’s global operations. It was highlighted that Kurita has established facilities in Malaysia, while its research and development activities are also conducted in Singapore and Japan. Japan remains the company’s largest operational hub and a major centre for technological innovation within the Kurita Group.

Following the meeting, the UTM delegates were given a guided tour of Kurita Water Malaysia’s facilities. The visit provided valuable exposure to industrial water treatment operations, laboratory practices, and professional workplace environments. Participants had the opportunity to observe water sample treatment procedures conducted for industrial clients, including various stages of water quality analysis and testing.

The group also visited several laboratory facilities equipped with analytical instruments, testing equipment, and chemical treatment systems commonly used in water treatment applications. In addition, they were also introduced to chemical storage areas, workshops, and operational facilities that support the company’s daily activities. The visit highlighted Kurita’s well-organised facilities and systematic operational practices, reflecting the company’s commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency.

Throughout the visit, students interacted with practising chemists and engineers, gaining valuable insights into career opportunities and professional experiences within the water treatment industry.

Nik Norashikin Nik Abd Aziz, a chemical engineer who is also a UTM alumnus, shared her experience working at Kurita and discussed the company’s supportive working environment and career development opportunities. Ton Rohisham also showcased examples of customer water samples and explained several chemicals and treatment approaches commonly used for scale control in industrial water treatment systems.

“I feel very fortunate to be selected as a UNIX student and to have the opportunity to undergo my internship at Kurita Water Malaysia. This experience will allow me to apply the chemical engineering theories that I have learned in class to real industrial applications, especially in water treatment and scale control,” said Nurfadilla Hanim Fadil.

The industrial engagement provided a valuable platform for UTM staff and students to connect academic knowledge with real-world industrial practices while strengthening collaboration between UTM and Kurita Water Malaysia. Through initiatives such as UNIX, students gain meaningful industry exposure, develop professional competencies, and contribute towards innovative and sustainable solutions for challenges faced by the water treatment industry.

Further information on the UNIX programme is available at https://fkt.utm.my/li/unix/.

Co-Author: Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin and Dr. Amni Haslinda Alpandi