Chan (centre) handing over the Best PhD Thesis Award to Phang while Lau (left) looks on.
BINTULU (Oct 30): Frederick Phang Jit Fook, a doctorate student at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, was honoured with the Press Metal Best PhD Thesis Award for his outstanding research in engineering.
The award was presented by Andrew Chan, chief human resources officer of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad, at a ceremony on Tuesday.
The event was witnessed by Swinburne Sarawak pro vice-chancellor and chief executive officer Prof Lau Hieng Ho.
Press Metal, Southeast Asia’s largest integrated aluminium producer, used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to advancing science, technology, and green industry in Sarawak through initiatives that support academic excellence and innovation.
“Our long-term presence in Sarawak reflects more than investment in industry and economy; it’s an investment in people,” said Chan.
“Recognising research excellence is part of our commitment to developing local engineering talent and supporting Sarawak’s journey to the forefront of science, technology, and renewable energy.”
Since beginning operations in the state in 2007, Press Metal has established two major aluminium smelting plants in Mukah and Samalaju, with a combined annual capacity of 1.08 million tonnes.
The company is furthering its sustainability agenda with major green projects.
These include an RM600 million solar module aluminium frame facility in collaboration with the Bintulu Development Authority, and an RM380 million, 100MW solar photovoltaic project developed with Solarvest Holdings and Sarawak Energy Berhad.