Overview

Digital intelligence is transforming process engineering through the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, digital twins, process modelling, and optimisation.

This forum brings together experts from academia and industry to explore how these emerging technologies are reshaping engineering practices and supporting smarter, more efficient, and sustainable processes.

Panellists will share perspectives on current applications, opportunities, challenges, and the evolving role of engineers in an increasingly digitalised environment. The discussion will also explore future directions and the skills required to embrace digital transformation in process engineering.

Speakers

Lam Hon Loong, Professor, University of Nottingham Malaysia

Hon Loong LAM received his first PhD in chemical engineering, 2010 from University of Maribor, Slovenia and the second PhD (summa cum laude) in Information Technology, 2011 from University of Pannonia, Hungary. He is a full professor in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus and appointed as Director for Centre of Excellence for Green Technologies.

Prof Lam research focused on Process Integration, Industry Big Data Management and Sustainable Process Synthesis. Prof Lam has been appointed as President for Association of Agri-Innovation and Economy Malaysia and Advisor for Malaysia Sustainable Development Roundtable .

His work is highly recognised and being invited for book chapters, plenary session and keynote presentation at international level. Prof Lam appointed as Editor for international journals, namely ENERGY (Elsevier), Energy, Sustainability and Society (Elsevier), Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (Springer), Process Integration and Optimisation for Sustainability (Springer). Prof Lam is selected by Stanford List as World Top 2% Scientist for year 2020-2026.

Nishanth Chemmangattuvalappil, Professor, Sunway University

Nishanth is a Professor of Chemical Engineering in the School of Engineering at Sunway University, Malaysia. He obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University, Alabama, USA, in 2010. He is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Scientist registered with the Engineering Council and Science Council, UK, respectively, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK.

His primary research interests include chemical product and molecular design, mixture design, and integrated biorefineries. He has co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in international journals, and his research has been presented at more than 80 international conferences. He has also authored two textbooks and contributed several book chapters.

Ho Wai Shin, Associate Professor, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Ho Wai Shin is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). His expertise includes process systems engineering, renewable energy, energy management, mathematical modelling, and optimisation. He has led 51 consultancy projects worth over RM10.6 million, covering energy audits, sustainability planning, and hydrogen technology roadmaps.

He is a Director of Unique Edge Technology Sdn. Bhd., a UTM spin-off commercialising MERCAT, an energy monitoring and automation platform. His achievements include the National Young Scientist Award (2020), IChemE Global Young Chemical Engineer in Research Award (2015), and recognition among the World's Top 2% Scientists.

Zulfan Adi Putra, Adjunct Professor of Practice, University of Nottingham Malaysia & University of Malaya

Zulfan is a process engineer who’s very passionate in solving chemical engineering problems via process simulation, mathematical modeling and optimization, data analysis and applied statistics. Throughout his career both in industries and academia, he has been involved in various projects from R&D (process synthesis and development, conceptual process design, feasibility studies, techno-economic analysis), basic engineering, process plant improvements, and process optimization. As hobbies, he has been volunteering to share various chemical engineering applications to university students in Malaysia and Indonesia, being an industrial advisor and field supervisor.

Chan Wai Mun, Senior Data Scientist, NielsenIQ​

Chan is a senior data scientist in NIQ. Having previously worked at organizations including VGallant, Intel, and Air Selangor. His expertise spans machine learning, operations research, and team leadership, with current focus on Large Language Models and sovereign data infrastructure. Dr.Chan brings a unique perspective that
bridges academic research with real-world business implementations. His passion lies in leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to solve complex business challenges and drive meaningful organizational transformation.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the CAPE Special Interest Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

17:00–18:30 MYT.

Software

The presentation will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. We recommend downloading the app from the Microsoft website, rather than using the web portal.