EVENT SUMMARY

The 1st Energy Security and Chemical Engineering Congress (ESChE 2019) was an impactful event organized by the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARiFF), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Malaysia. With the theme "Empowering Growth in Sustainable Energy", the conference took place from 17th to 19th July 2019 at the PARKROYAL Penang Resort, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

The conference was held in collaboration with esteemed partners such as King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand, Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU), Vietnam, University of Madras, India, and the Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET), India. It was generously supported by sponsors including Crest Group of Companies, Aseptec Sdn. Bhd., Nexus Analytics Sdn. Bhd., PLT Scientific Sdn. Bhd., and AC Scientific Sdn. Bhd.

The event attracted 340 participants from 14 countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Iraq, Algeria, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia.

Conference Highlights:

• Day 1 (17th July 2019):
  The event commenced with participant registration, setting the stage for three days of academic exchange and collaboration.

• Day 2 (18th July 2019):

  • The second day began with the arrival of VIPs and participants, followed by a Du'a recitation and welcoming remarks by the emcee and the Chairman of ESChE 2019, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Mohd Fairusham bin Ghazali.
  • The event then continued with the first round of parallel sessions and keynote speakers, where researchers from various countries presented their work across diverse themes in energy and chemical engineering.
  • The Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), YBhg. Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar bin Wan Yusoff delivered the opening speech and officiated the launch of ESChE 2019. This was followed by a montage presentation and sponsor acknowledgements.
  • The day continued with a series of parallel sessions, where presenters from various countries shared their research findings. Participants also engaged in a photo session and booth visit, further fostering academic and professional exchanges.
  • Keynote Speaker Presentations:
  • • Keynote Speaker 1:

      The first keynote session was delivered by Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Phong, a Professor at the Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, University of Science and Technology Hanoi (USTH), Vietnam. His presentation, titled "Creation of a Viable Artificial Leaf for Solar Water Splitting," introduced an innovative approach to harnessing solar energy for hydrogen production.

      Prof. Tran discussed the concept of artificial leaves, which mimic the natural process of photosynthesis to split water molecules using sunlight. He emphasized the potential of this technology to produce clean, renewable hydrogen fuel, contributing to low-carbon energy systems. The session explored material challenges, system integration, and future applications, offering a glimpse into how nature-inspired technologies can address global energy and environmental challenges.

• • • Keynote Speaker 2:

      The second keynote was delivered by Prof. Ir. Dr. Abdul Latif Ahmad, a Professor from the School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia. His talk, titled "Membrane Technologies for Treatment of Contaminants of Emerging Concern," focused on the role of advanced filtration systems in sustainable water management.

      Prof. Abdul Latif highlighted the increasing threat of micro-pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals, and discussed how membrane technologies are evolving to effectively remove these contaminants. He presented recent research on membrane design, performance optimization, and real-world applications. The session underlined the importance of water purification innovations in safeguarding environmental health and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    • Keynote Speaker 3:

      The third keynote session was presented by Prof. Dr. Suttichai Assabumrungrat, a Professor from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. His presentation, titled "Process Design of Integrated Biorefinery in Pulp and Paper Industry for Sustainable Development," examined how waste from traditional industries can be transformed into valuable bio-products.

      Prof. Suttichai explained the concept of integrated biorefineries, which utilize biomass residues from the pulp and paper sector to produce fuels, chemicals, and materials. He outlined key process design considerations, sustainability metrics, and techno-economic evaluations. This session provided compelling insights into how industrial innovation can simultaneously reduce waste and generate new economic opportunities.

    • Keynote Speaker 4:

      The fourth keynote was delivered by Prof. Dr. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, a Professor from the Department of Chemistry, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia. His talk, titled "Catalysis, Green Chemistry & Sustainability: Challenges & Opportunities," addressed the central role of catalysis in driving sustainable chemical processes.

      Prof. Taufiq-Yap presented recent advances in green catalysis, focusing on environmentally benign catalysts that improve reaction efficiency while minimizing toxic by-products. He discussed practical applications in energy conversion, chemical manufacturing, and waste reduction. The session emphasized the pivotal role of green chemistry in aligning scientific innovation with environmental stewardship and industrial sustainability.

    • Keynote Speaker 5:

      The final keynote was delivered by Dr. T.M. Sridhar, an Associate Professor, from the Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Madras, India. His presentation, titled "Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy Storage Devices," explored the potential of nanotechnology in next-generation energy solutions.

      Dr. Sridhar highlighted the superior properties of graphene, such as high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, making it ideal for use in batteries and supercapacitors. He discussed fabrication techniques, energy density improvements, and commercialization prospects. This session showcased how advanced materials science is essential for achieving reliable and sustainable energy storage, supporting the growth of renewable energy systems worldwide.

  • In the evening, participants and guests gathered for a dinner reception themed around traditional attire, creating a vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere that encouraged camaraderie and celebration.

• Day 3 (19th July 2019):

  The final day featured the continuation of parallel sessions alongside engaging keynote presentations, concluding in the evening with academic discussions and networking opportunities that fostered collaboration among participants.