2022 SCE USM Engagement with Community

Chemical Engineering Student Society 22/23 (ChESS) has succeeded in raising the bar for community engagement at the School of Chemical Engineering and addressing the school’s mission to “provide high-quality education and research to produce well-trained chemical engineering graduates who are critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and life-long learners in a global society to meet the technological and societal expectations”. The community project occurred in Kampung Sungai Buaya, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang. By converting the organic wastes from their regular municipal garbage into Eco-Enzyme, a multipurpose cleaning and fertilising solution, the initiative seeks to benefit the students from Universiti Sains Malaysia and the residents of Kampung Sungai Buaya.

 

Zero Waste Eco-Enzyme Community Outreaching Project is one of the projects under “Projects for Happiness” funded by the My Starfish Foundation, a public philanthropy platform in Malaysia which fosters the connection to individuals, corporates and non-profit organisations. The “Project for Happiness” aims to inculcate the spirit of giving back to the community among undergraduate students.

Throughout the project, the university students can interact with the local community of Kampung Sungai Buaya to work on sustainable practices in translating scientific ideas into functional Eco-Enzyme safe and cost-efficient products while addressing environmental concerns at the same time. The students were able to gain the opportunities to explore technological know-how and possible change of behaviour to be more concerned about environmental issues and the use of Eco-Enzyme products in the industry and community.

In conjunction with the aim of this programme to balance and enhance students’ life with extra knowledge, a few other activities were also added. A lucky draw session for the participants was conducted to uplift the mood. The winners received terrific prizes, including an oven, coffee machine, air fryer, and vacuum cleaner. Other than that, a prize-giving ceremony was held for the winners who produced the most eco-enzyme.

This community project received sponsors from the Penang Youth Development Centre, Va’Mia Patisserie, Penang 3D Trick Art Museum, Encik Suami Restaurant, and GCert System. The project committees appreciate all the support and help from all the sponsors.

Text by: ChESS 22/23

Photos by: ChESS 22/23