Integrating Industry 4.0 Elements in Chemical Engineering Education
By Ban Zhen Hong , Lam Weng Hoong , Noraini Mohd , Tan Peng Chee , Ten Joon Yoon , Parthiban Siwayanan Xiamen University Malaysia
FEATURE
Chemical Engineering ( ChE ) is a wellrecognised branch of engineering that applies the core scientific disciplines of chemistry , physics , biology , and mathematics to transform raw materials into useful or valuable end-products . ChE covers the development , design , and operation of chemical processing plants by considering elements such as technoeconomic viability , operability , safety and sustainability for the extraction , conversion , and recovery of materials . ChE has consistently been one of the most rewarding engineering professions worldwide . Leveraging the teaching excellence and research reputation at Xiamen University China ( XMU ) and demands from the Malaysian chemical and process industries , Xiamen University Malaysia ( XMUM ) has established its ChE Programme with the aim of enriching chemical engineering education in Malaysia by bringing XMU ’ s teaching and research excellence from overseas . The ChE programme offered by the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council ( EAC ) Malaysia and provides a cohesive learning and knowledge-building environment for the pursuit of quality teaching and research .
Industry 4.0 incorporates a number of digital and physical advanced technologies to create a greater physical-to-digital-to-physical connection , which has the potential to transform the chemical industry by enabling strategic growth and streamlining operations . With the rise of Industry 4.0 in this globalisation era , more technologies
and applications related to Industry 4.0 have been utilised in chemical and process industries , including big data and analytics , simulation , system integration , Internet of Things ( IoT ), cyberphysical systems , advanced materials , additive manufacturing , advanced analytics , artificial intelligence , and robotics [ 1 ]. Chemical and process industries are presently seeking engineers who are not only equipped with complex problem-solving capabilities , critical thinking , creative , innovative , and decision-making abilities but also engineers
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