EVENT SUMMARY:

The 3rd Energy Security and Chemical Engineering Congress (ESChE 2023) was successfully organized by the Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid and Processes (Fluid Centre), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Malaysia. With the theme "Green Technological Solutions for Sustainable World", this event was held from 28th to 30th August 2023 as a hybrid conference, which combines in-person and virtual participation.

The conference was conducted in collaboration with prestigious academic institutions, including Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU), Vietnam, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand, and Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS), India. The event was generously sponsored by JEOL (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. and Gaia Science (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., whose support enhanced the quality and reach of the conference.

The physical venue for the conference was the Adya Hotel Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia, offering an excellent environment for networking and discussions. A total of 113 participants from Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Indonesia attended the event, showcasing its international significance and appeal.

Conference Highlights:

• Day 1 (28th August 2023):
  The conference began with the registration of participants, setting the stage for the upcoming sessions.

• Day 2 (29th August 2023):

  • The day commenced with the arrival of participants, VIPs, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs) of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), followed by a recitation of Du'a and a safety briefing conducted by the hotel staff.
  • The emcee warmly welcomed everyone, leading into the welcoming speech by the Director of the Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid and Processes (Fluid Centre), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), and also the Chairman of ESChE 2023, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Mohd Fairusham bin Ghazali.
  • The session continued with the opening speech and the official launch of ESChE 2023 by YBhg. Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim bin Mohamed, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs) of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
  • Acknowledgments were extended to the sponsors, and a group photo session captured the moment.
  • Plenary Speaker Presentations:
    • Industrial Plenary Speaker:
      

      The industrial plenary session was delivered by Ir. Shaiful bin Khalid, the Head of Technical Delivery Excellence at Project Delivery & Technology (PD&T), PETRONAS. His presentation, titled "Embracing Energy Transition: Building Malaysia's Path to a Sustainable Future," focused on Malaysia's strategic efforts to navigate the global energy transition.

      Ir. Shaiful highlighted PETRONAS’s initiatives in embracing cleaner energy alternatives and the development of sustainable energy solutions to meet the country's growing energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. He discussed innovative technologies, policy frameworks, and collaborative strategies crucial for driving Malaysia towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future. The session provided valuable insights into the role of industry leadership in advancing energy security and sustainability.

    • Virtual Plenary Speaker:
      

      The virtual plenary was presented by Dr. Wei-Hsin Chen, a Professor at National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. His presentation, titled "Low-Temperature Biochar Production from Biomass Torrefaction for Carbon-Neutral and Carbon-Negative Targets," explored cutting-edge advancements in biomass conversion technologies.

      Prof. Chen elaborated on the process of biomass torrefaction, a thermochemical treatment that produces biochar at low temperatures. He emphasized the potential of biochar as a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative material, highlighting its applications in improving soil health, capturing carbon, and contributing to sustainable agriculture. The session underscored the importance of integrating innovative biomass technologies to achieve global carbon reduction targets and foster sustainable environmental practices.

  • After the plenary speaker presentations, the parallel sessions commenced, allowing researchers to present and discuss their findings.

  • In the evening, participants and guest gathered for a hi-tea celebration, which included a montage video presentation, the announcement of best paper awards, and a photography session, fostering a sense of community and recognition.

• Day 3 (30th August 2023):
  The conference concluded with a continuation of the parallel sessions, which ran until the afternoon, enabling further in-depth discussions and exchanges of ideas.