The Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology (UniKL MICET) continues to solidify its position as a key contributor to Malaysia’s rubber and latex industry through the achievements of its academic leaders and alumni.
This dual success was recently celebrated during the 65th Annual Dinner of the Plastics and Rubber Institute Malaysia (PRIM), where both a lecturer and a graduate of UniKL MICET were recognised for their outstanding contributions.
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Ong Siew Kooi, a dedicated academician from UniKL MICET, was conferred the prestigious Fellowship of the Plastics and Rubber Institute Malaysia (FPRIM) — the highest honour awarded by PRIM.
Bestowed exclusively by invitation, the fellowship is a mark of distinction in the plastics and rubber industry, granted only to individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to the field.
Dr. Ong, who holds a PhD in Polymer Technology from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is also a registered engineering technologist with the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). She has been actively involved with PRIM since 2014, serving as Assistant Honorary Secretary in 2019 and as Honorary Secretary since 2023.
As the coordinator of the Professional Graduateship of Rubber Technology (PGRT) programme, Dr. Ong plays a pivotal role in aligning academic training with industrial needs.
The PGRT is a six-month professional certification programme designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry demands.
Funded by the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) and later by the Institut Perladangan dan Komoditi Malaysia (IMPAC) under the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (KPK), the programme has successfully placed over 100 graduates in leading companies such as Top Glove, Kossan, Karex, Synthomer, KL Kepong, and Weir Minerals Linatex.
The curriculum combines academic training with a four-month industrial placement, where students are mentored and assessed by industry partners — resulting in an employability rate of over 80% within three to six months after completion.
A testament to the programme’s impact is Nureen Nasuha Harun, a graduate of the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Technology (Environment) with Honours at UniKL MICET, who was named Best Student for PGRT 2024.
She received a plaque and a cash honorarium, presented by Mr. Stephen Frendt, Managing Director of Weir Minerals Malaysia.
