International Women’s Day is a global day for the celebration women achievements in social, economic cultural and political activities. IEM Penang would like to invite all the IEM members to join an evening technical talk by two prominent women in engineering on International Women’s day. Come and join us without cost to learn more about the engineering research by Ir. Dr. Leo Choe Peng and the engineering consultancy by Ir. Catherine Sim Siew Ping!

Technical Talk 1 – Engineering research on superhydrophobic thin films

Ir. Dr. Leo Choe Peng will introduce superhydrophobic thin films and their future applications in this talk.

Superhydrophobic thin films behave like lotus leaves which are non-wetting. Besides non-wetting, the superhydrophobic thin films are also anti-fouling and self-cleaning. Superhydrophobic coatings are useful to protect concrete.

Superhydrophobic membranes have been developed for various separation purposes, namely oil filtration, membrane gas absorption, desalination, and juice concentration. In membrane gas absorption, superhydrophobic membranes are useful to purify biomethane generated from palm oil mill effluent or to capture CO2from flue gas. Desalination can be achieved using membrane distillation with superhydrophobic membrane driven by the low temperature energy such as solar energy. In osmotic distillation, juice can be concentrated without thermal degradation. The water repellent feature of superhydrophobic concrete and membrane samples will be displayed in the workshop.

Biodata of Speaker

Ir. Dr. Leo Choe Pengis an associate professor in School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia which was ranked 38th in QS ranking.  Leo worked on membrane science and technology about 10 years, generating knowledge to bridge the gap between science and industry.

Her research focuses on the engineering aspects of membrane innovations for various industrial problems.  She  has  published  nearly  100  scientific  papers  in  the indexed  journals  and  the conference proceedings. A total citation of 963 and h-index of 16 have been recorded in SCOPUS.

Her scientific works were funded by American Chemical Society, Sime Darby, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation and Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia in the past. Leo was also sponsored by the Royal Society, American Chemical Society and National Tsing Hua University to share her knowledge in the international conferences and workshop. Leo received

Women in Science Award from Ton Duc Thang University, Pro Vice-Chancellor Award in Research from Monash University. She was also selected as the finalist of the Young Scientist Award Agricultural and Food Science Division American Chemical Society 2015. Besides working as an academician, Leo worked as a visiting engineer in Penchem Technologies, a consultant for Indah Water Konsortium and a trainer for Petronas Research Sdn. Bhd.

Technical Talk 2 – Engineering Consultancy: experience sharing,pathway and passion

Ir. Catherine Sim, Principal from M.E.I. Project Engineers Sdn.Bhd. will share her experience as a professional engineer from engineering consultancy perspective. M.E.I., as a multi-disciplined organization, delivers customized engineering solution under a single point of responsibility with a completerange of services that includes civil, structural, industrial architectural (CSA), mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, process utilities, piping (MEP);from the stage of feasibility studies, front end engineering design, conceptual design, detail design, procurement, to construction management throughout the stage of project implementation. As the winner of IEM Young Engineers’ Award 2013, Ir. Catherine will also share her pathway and passion in the engineering field. Helping the clients succeed continues to drive and motivate the team’s performance. By delivering on time, within budget and quality works, M.E.I. continues to receive the greatest testimonials – repeated clients. Over the years, M.E.I. continues to enhance, develop better, to serve a variety of clients in multiple industries, within and across the region.

Biodata of Speaker

Ir. Catherine Sim Siew Ping is the IEM Young Engineers’ Award recipient 2013. She joined engineering fraternity since year2002, recognized by Board of Engineers Malaysia as Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering since year 2007. Ir. Catherine Sim was promoted to the directorship of M.E.I. Consultants Sdn. Bhd. since 2008 and certified as Green Building Index (GBI) facilitator since 2013. Ir. Catherine Sim was the Chairperson of YES (Young Engineers Section) Penang Branch for year 2005/ 2006. She has undertaken and successfully accomplished more than 100 projects under M.E.I., playing diversified role in each venture. To name a few, the pioneer biotechnology plant in Enstek Industrial Park won the CIDB Excellence Award 2004, IEM Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award 2004, ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award 2005. The world’s highest efficiency solar manufacturing facilities in Melaka was conferred the IEM Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award 2012, The Penang State Engineering Excellence Recognition Award 2012.

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