Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s palm oil mills hold strong potential as sources of renewable green energy, said Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch chairman Tan KJ at a technical seminar for engineering students here.
“Palm oil mills should not only be viewed as processing facilities. Biomass and biogas are also valuable resources which, through good engineering and innovation, can be converted into useful renewable energy while supporting environmental sustainability,” said Tan in his opening remarks.
He welcomed the strong turnout of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) engineering students and said exposing future engineers to real industrial applications is important for Sabah’s long-term human capital development.
Tan added that such initiatives are relevant to the broader aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0, particularly in promoting sustainable development, green technology, responsible resource utilisation and the development of skilled local talent.
The seminar focused on the use of excess biomass and biogas from palm oil mills as renewable energy resources.
It was held at the IEM Sabah Training Centre in Damai Point, Luyang, and drew 49 participants, most of them UMS engineering students.
A representative from the young engineers and industry participants also attended.
Wilmar Plantations Sdn Bhd General Manager of Mill Operations ILo Yee Hang shared his practical industry experience and insights into renewable energy opportunities within the palm oil sector.
He also encouraged young engineers to consider careers in palm oil mills, where they can gain hands-on engineering skills and practical working experience.
KC Wong, Past Chairman of ACEM Sabah Branch, moderated the session and facilitated technical discussion and exchange of views among the participants.
The presence of UMS students, a DOE representative, professional engineers and industry practitioners provided a useful platform to connect education, engineering practice, industry needs and environmental considerations.
IEM Sabah said it will continue to promote knowledge-sharing programmes that bring together universities, government agencies, industry and the engineering profession, while developing young engineers who can contribute towards a greener, more innovative and sustainable Sabah.
