A group photo of the technical talk on membrane technology and SDG 6.

A total of 32 students and three lecturers from the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering department at UCSI University attended a technical talk given by Prof Dr Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua.  

The talk highlighted the contribution of chemical engineering through membrane technology to society especially during disasters and to underprivileged people.

As such, the talk included how membrane technology impacts communities during disasters and contributes in providing remote areas with access to clean and safe water.

An overview of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals was provided while the emphasis was on the contribution of chemical engineering to SDG 6, clean water and sanitation.

UCSI students benefited from the talk through the knowledge sharing which initiated their awareness towards the concept of SDGs and their application into their daily activities. One of the ways they could do this is through recycling and reusing of plastic bottles to promote sustainability.

According to Petroleum and Chemical Engineering Head of Department, Dr Lee Kiat Moon, “For UCSI students, they can apply membrane technology in their final year projects and/or plant design projects.”

Through the talk, they are able to justify the advantages and limitations when applying membrane technology for the separation process alternative,” she added.

 She also said, “Since SDG 6 focuses on clean water and sanitation, UCSI students can contribute either directly or indirectly to achieve this goal. They may join outreach activities like "River of Life" which is organised by an NGO for Sungai Klang. Indirect involvement may include reducing water usage, and influencing other people to use water wisely.”

The talk shed light on the issue of clean water and sanitation and was encouraging to the students as they realised they can all play a part in achieving SDG 6, in particular.