Semarang, 18–19 November 2025 — The Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), once again demonstrated its strong commitment to fostering an internationally competitive academic atmosphere through a series of World Class University (WCU) Adjunct Professor activities. These activities were realized through the 1st and 2nd Guest Lecturer sessions featuring a distinguished international academic from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, B.Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D.
The program commenced with the 1st Guest Lecturer, entitled “From Waste to Wealth: Circular Economy Approaches in Membrane Technology,” held on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, from 13:00 to 16:00 WIB, in a hybrid format at Room B.3.2, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UNDIP. The session was attended enthusiastically by lecturers, researchers, and undergraduate and postgraduate students, both onsite and online.
In his presentation, Prof. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail emphasized the importance of integrating circular economy concepts into the development and application of membrane technology. He explained how industrial waste can be processed and reutilized as value-added resources (from waste to wealth), thereby enhancing resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and delivering sustainable economic benefits. The topic was considered highly relevant in addressing global challenges related to resource scarcity and increasing pressure on environmental quality.
The series continued with the 2nd Guest Lecturer, entitled “My Journey in RDICE: A Brief Flashback,” held on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, from 13:00 to 16:00 WIB, conducted onsite at the B.3.2 Meeting Room, Department of Chemical Engineering, UNDIP. During this session, Prof. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail shared reflections on more than two decades of experience in research, innovation, and commercialization of membrane technology.
He highlighted that research is a passion driven by curiosity, critical thinking, and the courage to independently develop ideas. Prof. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail also recounted the establishment and development of the Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC) at UTM, which originated from the Membrane Research Unit (MRU) and later evolved into a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE). He underscored the importance of building strong research teams, fostering a collaborative culture, and emphasizing mentorship to nurture innovative young researchers with global competitiveness.
Furthermore, several examples of the tangible societal and industrial impacts of membrane technology research were presented, including the development of portable clean water supply systems for remote and disaster-affected areas, as well as collaborative research with strategic industrial partners such as PETRONAS and Sime Darby Research. These innovations have been successfully commercialized and have generated significant economic contributions.
Both activities were also attended by Prof. Ir. Tutuk Djoko Kusworo, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., a faculty member of the Department of Chemical Engineering, UNDIP, who actively contributed to strengthening academic discussions and encouraging opportunities for international research collaboration and joint publications between UNDIP and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Through the organization of the 1st and 2nd Guest Lecturer WCU Adjunct Professor series, the Department of Chemical Engineering, UNDIP, hopes to broaden the academic community’s perspectives, enhance the quality of education and research, and strengthen sustainable international collaboration networks. These activities also form part of Universitas Diponegoro’s ongoing efforts to achieve World Class University status, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and meaningful contributions to the global community.