Introduction

Department of Petrochemical Engineering (JKPK) was established in 1992. Earlier it was known as the Department of Petrochemical Technology (JTP). JKPK offers courses related to petroleum and petrochemical industries in Polytechnic Kuching Sarawak, in line with the rapid development of petroleum and petrochemical industries.

Previously, JKPK offered certificate programmes such as Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Petroleum), Electronic Engineering (Petroleum), Mechanical Engineering (Petroleum) and Chemical and Process Engineering. However, in July 2010, the department offered only one diploma programme and currently offers Diploma in Process Engineering (Petrochemical).

JKPK is led by the Head of Department and assisted by a Head of Programme. The academic staffs are from various academic backgrounds such as Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical & Plant Engineering and Industrial Chemistry. There are also a technician and laboratory assistants as supporting staff.

Diploma in Process Engineering (Petrochemical)

Diploma in Process Engineering (Petrochemical) is a 3-year programme offered by the Petrochemical Engineering Department, Politeknik Kuching Sarawak, since 2011, with the pioneer batch of students graduating in 2014. The programme uses Malay/English as medium of instruction and has obtained full accreditation status by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) in December 2012 and valid until 2018. Furthermore in 2019 Diploma in Process Engineering (Petrochemical) has obtained accreditation status by Engineering Technology Accreditation Council (ETAC).

In order to keep abreast with rapid technological advancements and evolving requirements in industries today, Department of Polytechnic Education has worked collaboratively with the nation’s key industry players in developing competency standard of Diploma in Process Engineering (Petrochemical) programme. This collaboration aims to equip students with up-to-date knowledge, relevant skills and attitudes to meet the global challenges and the requirements of the industries.

This is true especially in the process engineering specifically in petrochemical area where there is a rapid growth in demand for highly skilled and technically savvy workforce. Many industries require sophisticated technical workforce. One of the most important factors in gearing towards the growth of productivity is to have a qualified manpower in this area, allowing the industry to expand and remain competitive in the world market. In addressing these issues, the Curriculum Development and Evaluation Division (CDED), Department of Polytechnic Education cooperates with the industries, Public Higher Learning Institutions and Private Higher Learning Institutions to develop competency standards of this program.

The competency standards integrate the Body of Knowledge recommended by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChe), Chemical Engineering Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) UK, Engineering Council UK (ecUK), European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE) and Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET).

This initiative is an essential fundamental to the curriculum development of Diploma in Process Engineering (Petrochemical) program with the aim of producing competent and marketable graduates parallel to the needs of the industry.