JOHOR BAHRU, May 21 – The Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) had the distinct honor of welcoming Prof. Dr. Jerry Heng, a Professor in Particle Technology and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Imperial College London, for a significant three-day academic visit. As a proud alumnus of UTM (B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering, 2002), Prof. Heng’s return to his alma mater represented not only a homecoming but also a powerful testament to the importance of international education networks and the long-term impact of fostering local talent.
Now recognized as a leading academic at one of the world’s top universities, Prof. Heng exemplifies the global excellence that UTM aspires to nurture. His presence served as a tangible reminder that world-class contributions can originate from Malaysian classrooms and laboratories, provided there is the right environment, mentorship, and ambition. Furthermore, his visit reinforced UTM’s commitment to developing graduates who can not only thrive abroad but ultimately return to inspire the next generation.
A Three-Part Series of Inspiration and Insight
Over three significant sessions, Prof. Heng shared insights on sustainability innovation, advanced research in chemical engineering, and personal development in academia.
- Sustainability in Engineering Education: EcoLabs at Imperial
Professor Heng introduced EcoLabs, a groundbreaking model that redefines chemical engineering laboratories as sustainable, digitally-oriented learning environments. This initiative emphasizes resource efficiency, systems thinking, and the use of immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). It demonstrates how higher education can address global sustainability goals through innovative curriculum design.
- Frontiers in Crystallization Science
In his second session, Prof. Heng explored the surface and interfacial behavior of organic crystalline solids. He provided valuable insights that have implications for pharmaceuticals, crystallization processes, and materials engineering. His research emphasizes the significance of fundamental science in addressing complex real-world challenges, especially in medicine and advanced manufacturing.
- Reflections on Academic Life: A Journey of Leadership and Growth
During an insightful session, Professor Heng shared his academic journey, which began in Kuching, Sarawak, and led him to the prestigious Imperial College London. He openly discussed the challenges he faced in building a research group, navigating cultural and institutional expectations while abroad, and the necessity of continual reinvention in academia. His message highlighted that leadership in science involves more than just excellence in research; it also encompasses resilience, mentorship, and the creation of inclusive academic communities.
Prof. Heng’s visit to UTM was more than just a series of lectures; it served as a significant moment of reflection and inspiration. As an alumnus who has achieved prominence at one of the world’s leading engineering institutions, his return exemplifies what is possible when local talent is empowered with global opportunities.
His insights on sustainability, research excellence, and the development of future academic leaders are highly relevant to UTM’s ongoing transformation into a global research university. His emphasis on integrating sustainability into education, investing in intergenerational mentorship, and embracing change strongly resonates with UTM’s mission to prepare future-ready engineers and scholars.
“To develop future leaders, we must invest not only in technical knowledge but also in values such as resilience, humility, and a sense of responsibility to the global community.”
As UTM continues to enhance its international academic presence, visits like this reaffirm our belief in the importance of strategic alumni engagement and global partnerships. FKT remains committed to creating opportunities where experience, excellence, and innovation converge to inspire the next generation.
By: Dr. Mohd Fadhzir Ahmad Kamaroddin, Research & Knowledge Manager, FKT