SERI ISKANDAR, Sept 13 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) achieved a significant milestone at the 10th Regional Conference on Student Activism (RECONSA 2026), hosted at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), by securing first place for the Best Project under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. The award-winning proposal, ChemE Day 2026, was recognised for its framework to advance green innovation, clean energy activism and sustainable community engagement.

The winning entry was led by UTM student leaders from key campus organisations. The team comprised Auni Amalin Abdul Mohd Rahimi and Yahya Mujahid Aizuddin from the UTM Volunteer Club, Nur Idlan Abdul Razak and Mohamad Asyraff Hakimi Mohd Azian representing the Institution of Chemical Engineers UTM Student Chapter (IChemE UTM-SC), alongside Muhammad Adam Hariz Rosley representing the Student Representative Council (MPP). Under RECONSA project advisor Dr. Mohamad Sukri Mohamad Yusof, the team presented ChemE Day under the theme “Waste to Worth”, translating chemical engineering principles into real-world environmental solutions. UTM’s initiative earned the top prize in the SDG 7 category along with a mock cheque of USD 250.

Now in its second consecutive year, ChemE Day 2026 builds on its inaugural edition organised by IChemE UTM-SC in collaboration with the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT). The programme is guided by advisors Dr. Mohamad Sukri Mohamad Yusof, Dr. Muhammad Afiq Zubir, Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin and Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Mimi Haryani Hassim. It features technical challenges such as ChemE Car and ChemE Cube, which challenge students to apply clean energy concepts and design sustainable chemical engineering prototypes. ChemE Inspire also provides career talks and interactive panel discussions with industry professionals, including leaders from PETRONAS Carigali, while the IChemE Fun Run and drive-thru recycling counters promote carbon reduction and public engagement.

The recognition at RECONSA 2026 highlights UTM’s strategic cross-sector collaborations with partners including Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), PETRONAS Carigali, Decathlon, Taylor’s University, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). By bridging academic knowledge with industrial expertise and public participation, the programme serves as a scalable model for youth-led clean energy activism.

The success of ChemE Day 2026 at RECONSA reflects the support of UTM’s leadership and student development ecosystem. Gratitude is extended to the Student Activity and Development Division (BAPP), FKT and the project advisors for their guidance throughout the conference preparation. The achievement reinforces UTM’s commitment to empowering student leaders to address global sustainability challenges and champion the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.