CORES 2026: Connecting Research and Industry

The Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) successfully organised the Chemical and Oil & Gas Engineering Research Showcase (CORES 2026) on 22–23 July 2026 at UiTM Shah Alam, bringing together final-year students, academics, and industry professionals through a two-day research showcase.

CORES 2026 featured Research Project II (RP2) and Final Year Project II (FYP2) students from the Chemical Engineering and Oil and Gas Engineering programs. The showcase provided a platform for students to present the outcomes of their final-year research through poster presentations and question and answer sessions. The students were evaluated by internal examiners together with external panel members comprising industry professionals and experts from other institutions. Through direct engagement with the external panels, students received constructive feedback on their research methodology, technical findings, data interpretation, practical applicability, and presentation skills.

Beyond academic assessment, CORES 2026 was designed to expose students to professional engineering perspectives. The external panels encouraged students to consider how engineering solutions must balance technical performance with practical factors such as safety, feasibility, operability, sustainability, and industry requirements. The two-day program also created opportunities for academics and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and explore potential research and industry collaborations. This engagement strengthened the connection between engineering education and professional practice while providing students with valuable exposure to expectations beyond the university environment.

Outstanding performances were recognized through the Best Presenter Awards, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards presented separately for the Chemical Engineering and Oil and Gas Engineering programs. Ten students from both programs were also recognized with the Best Poster Award for excellence in research communication and poster presentation. The successful implementation of CORES 2026 was supported by the faculty management, external panel members, internal examiners, supervisors, administrative staff, technical staff, support staff, and participating students.

The organising committee extends its sincere appreciation to Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Norin Zamiah Kassim Shaari, Deputy Dean (Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Nur Hashimah Alias (CEng MIChemE), Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation, Industry, Community & Alumni Linkages), and Dr. Miradatul Najwa Muhd Rodhi, Deputy Dean (Student Affairs), for their continuous guidance and support. CORES 2026 was coordinated by Dr. Norasmah Mohammed Manshor and Dr. Noorsuhana Mohd Yusof, Research Project II Coordinators, together with Dr. Nurul Aimi Ghazali, Final Year Project II Coordinator.

Through initiatives such as CORES 2026, the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM continues to strengthen experiential learning, research communication, and academia industry engagement in developing technically competent, professionally confident, and industry ready engineering graduates.

Keywords: CORES 2026, Universiti Teknologi MARA, UiTM, Chemical Engineering, Oil and Gas Engineering, Engineering Education, Research Showcase, Industry Engagement