USM Chemical Engineering Strengthens Academic Quality through External Assessment by HKUST Professor
12–13 October 2026 – The School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) conducted a two-day academic external assessment of its Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Hons.) programme via teleconferencing, with Professor Furong Gao from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) serving as the Academic External Assessor.
The assessment aimed to review the quality and standards of the undergraduate programme in support of its accreditation requirements. The review covered key aspects of academic provision, including curriculum design and delivery, course documentation, student development, academic staff quality, laboratory facilities, and the School’s quality management system.
Day 1: Reviewing Academic Standards and Programme Quality
The assessment commenced on 12 October 2026 with a welcoming meeting led by the Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, together with members of the School Executive Committee (Exco).
Following the introductory session, Professor Gao reviewed the programme files and relevant academic documents. The review focused on the curriculum structure, methods of curriculum delivery, course portfolios and files, student quality, academic staff quality, and the quality management system. Other aspects affecting the overall effectiveness and standard of the programme were also considered.
As part of the assessment, the School presented a recorded video tour of its laboratory facilities, allowing Professor Gao to review the laboratories and gain an overview of the infrastructure supporting undergraduate teaching and learning.
Day 2: Engaging Students and Sharing Professional Expertise
On 13 October 2026, Professor Gao met with undergraduate students from Year 1 to Year 4 to gain perspectives on their learning experiences and the implementation of the Chemical Engineering programme. These discussions provided an opportunity to consider the student experience across the different stages of the undergraduate journey.
The day also featured an open seminar entitled “Batch Process Automation”, delivered by Professor Gao for academic staff and postgraduate students. The seminar provided a platform for sharing expertise and exchanging knowledge in an area relevant to process engineering and automation.
The session enriched the academic engagement by bringing an international perspective to the School’s research and teaching community, while encouraging participants to broaden their understanding of developments in process automation.
Supporting Continuous Improvement and Accreditation
The external assessment provided an opportunity for the School to examine its academic practices and evaluate the effectiveness of its programme delivery against the expectations of accreditation. By reviewing curriculum documentation, engaging with students, and examining the facilities and systems that support teaching and learning, the assessment addressed several important dimensions of programme quality.
The process also encouraged constructive dialogue on maintaining academic standards, enhancing the student learning experience, and strengthening the continuous improvement of the undergraduate programme.
Concluding the Assessment with Strategic Reflection
The two-day assessment concluded on 13 October 2026 with an exit meeting involving Professor Gao, the Dean, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, and the Exco members. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the assessment process and reflect on the programme’s academic provision and quality assurance practices.
The School of Chemical Engineering values the contribution of external assessors in providing independent perspectives and supporting the continued development of its academic programmes. The engagement with Professor Gao reflects the School’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards, strengthening quality assurance, and preparing graduates with the knowledge and competencies required to meet the ever-evolving needs of the chemical engineering profession.
Through continued evaluation, international academic engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the School aspires to deliver an undergraduate programme that meets accreditation expectations while equipping future chemical engineers to meaningfully contribute to industry and society at large.
Text: MHU
Photo: AAO