French Students Complete Research Internship at USM Chemical Engineering
12 June 2026 – The School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), successfully hosted three undergraduate students from IUT Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, France, for a three-month research attachment programme aimed at fostering academic exchange and international research collaboration.
The internship programme, which commenced from 6 April to 12 June 2026, provided the students with valuable exposure to research activities, laboratory practices, and academic culture at one of Malaysia’s leading engineering schools.
Welcoming Future Researchers from France
The three French students who participated in the programme were:
· Bensaber Abdelhamid, supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Derek Chan Juinn Chieh
· Kaddouri Johayna, supervised by Professor Dr. Lim Jit Kang
· Kahoul Adam, supervised by Professor Dr. Ooi Boon Seng
Their placement at the School of Chemical Engineering reflects the growing international collaboration between USM and higher education institutions abroad, particularly in providing opportunities for undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience.
Exposure to Diverse Research Areas
Throughout the attachment period, the students were embedded within their respective research groups and actively participated in ongoing research projects.
Their research activities covered a broad range of topics, including:
· Nanomaterials functionalisation
· Water treatment technologies
· Phytochemistry and natural product research
Working alongside academic staff, postgraduate researchers, and undergraduate students, the interns were exposed to multidisciplinary research approaches and modern laboratory techniques.
Hands-On Learning and Research Experience
The internship programme provided the students with a unique opportunity to strengthen their practical and analytical skills through direct involvement in laboratory-based research.
In addition to conducting experiments and analysing data, the students gained valuable experience in scientific communication, research planning, and collaborative problem-solving. The close interaction with USM students and researchers also enabled them to better understand different research methodologies and academic perspectives.
The attachment served as an important platform for developing technical competencies while preparing the students for future academic and professional pursuits.
Promoting International Academic Exchange
Beyond research activities, the programme fostered meaningful cultural and academic exchanges between the French students and the USM community. Through daily interactions, collaborative projects, and participation in laboratory activities, both parties benefited from the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and research practices.
Such initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening international partnerships and promoting a global learning environment within the School of Chemical Engineering.
Building Future Global Collaborations
The successful completion of the internship programme demonstrates the School’s commitment to supporting international mobility and collaborative research initiatives. The School was pleased to host the students throughout their attachment and hopes that their experience at USM was both meaningful and enriching.
As Universiti Sains Malaysia continues to expand its international engagement efforts, programmes such as this provide valuable opportunities to build lasting academic networks, enhance cross-cultural understanding, and cultivate the next generation of globally minded engineers and researchers.
Text : PROF OII BOON SENG
Photo : MR. MOHAMAD FAIZAL ABU BAKAR
The internship programme, which commenced from 6 April to 12 June 2026, provided the students with valuable exposure to research activities, laboratory practices, and academic culture at one of Malaysia’s leading engineering schools.
Welcoming Future Researchers from France
The three French students who participated in the programme were:
· Bensaber Abdelhamid, supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Derek Chan Juinn Chieh
· Kaddouri Johayna, supervised by Professor Dr. Lim Jit Kang
· Kahoul Adam, supervised by Professor Dr. Ooi Boon Seng
Their placement at the School of Chemical Engineering reflects the growing international collaboration between USM and higher education institutions abroad, particularly in providing opportunities for undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience.
Exposure to Diverse Research Areas
Throughout the attachment period, the students were embedded within their respective research groups and actively participated in ongoing research projects.
Their research activities covered a broad range of topics, including:
· Nanomaterials functionalisation
· Water treatment technologies
· Phytochemistry and natural product research
Working alongside academic staff, postgraduate researchers, and undergraduate students, the interns were exposed to multidisciplinary research approaches and modern laboratory techniques.
Hands-On Learning and Research Experience
The internship programme provided the students with a unique opportunity to strengthen their practical and analytical skills through direct involvement in laboratory-based research.
In addition to conducting experiments and analysing data, the students gained valuable experience in scientific communication, research planning, and collaborative problem-solving. The close interaction with USM students and researchers also enabled them to better understand different research methodologies and academic perspectives.
The attachment served as an important platform for developing technical competencies while preparing the students for future academic and professional pursuits.
Promoting International Academic Exchange
Beyond research activities, the programme fostered meaningful cultural and academic exchanges between the French students and the USM community. Through daily interactions, collaborative projects, and participation in laboratory activities, both parties benefited from the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and research practices.
Such initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening international partnerships and promoting a global learning environment within the School of Chemical Engineering.
Building Future Global Collaborations
The successful completion of the internship programme demonstrates the School’s commitment to supporting international mobility and collaborative research initiatives. The School was pleased to host the students throughout their attachment and hopes that their experience at USM was both meaningful and enriching.
As Universiti Sains Malaysia continues to expand its international engagement efforts, programmes such as this provide valuable opportunities to build lasting academic networks, enhance cross-cultural understanding, and cultivate the next generation of globally minded engineers and researchers.
Text : PROF OII BOON SENG
Photo : MR. MOHAMAD FAIZAL ABU BAKAR