SEGi University’s Chemical Engineering students have emerged as champions in the 12th IEM Chemical Engineering Design Competition 2024, clinching the first prize and a cash reward of MYR 5000. Held on 29 June 2024 at Taylor University and organised by the Chemical Engineering Technical Division (CETD) of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), the competition challenged participants to design a cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant. SEGi’s team, comprising Eshwarr G. Sivakumar, Jonathan Ng Wai Chung, Tan Wai Hong, and Mohamed Mesud Abdelkadir, outperformed teams from various public and private universities, showcasing their exceptional engineering acumen.
The competition, themed “Production of Cost-Effective Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF),” required participants to design a plant producing SAF from lignocellulosic biomass at a lower cost while adhering to Jet A or Jet A-1 specification standards such as ASTM D1655 and ASTM D7566. The team’s project addressed technical, economic, health, and safety aspects, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, which promotes industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
Notably, SAF has been recognised for its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. For instance, United Airlines flew the first passenger flight powered entirely by SAF in 2021, highlighting the aviation industry’s shift towards sustainable practices (Honeywell Aerospace). The SEGi team’s innovative design incorporated advanced simulation tools like PRO/II and 3D plant design modelling software, reflecting the university’s commitment to delivering industry-relevant education.
