Four students from the Singapore Polytechnic and lecturers and students of DTU Faculty of Environmental Engineering had a great time working together and making strong progress in their studies and research. They spent five weeks, starting on March 8th, working on the Overseas Industrial Training Program (OITP), on projects to produce biogas from organic waste and biodiesel fuel from rubber seed oil, with the aim of researching new sources of clean fuel, whilst protecting the environment.
Students from DTU and Singapore Polytechnic sort out organic waste
The Overseas Industrial Training Program (OITP) is a CDIO project, moving from the conventional classroom environment to active, hands-on learning. The OITP program was first implemented at DTU in 2013, providing big opportunities to broaden the knowledge and social skills of both students and faculty. The four students from Singapore worked with lecturers and students from the DTU Faculty of Environmental Engineering on two short-term projects, which were “Biodiesel Production from Rubber Seed Oil” and “An Experimental Study on the Production of Biogas from Organic Waste.”
Students visited the Khanh Son Rubbish Dump, the Hoa Cuong Waste Water Treatment Plant and the rubber seed oil production factory in Danang. Under the teaching and direction of lecturers from the DTU Faculty of Environmental Engineering, they created trial production models with positive results.
The preparation of tools for a trial experiment
Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong, Dean of DTU Faculty of Environmental Engineering, said: “By participating in OITP projects, students of DTU and SP were able to experience a real-time working environment, learn more about the culture and customs of different countries, exchange information and improve their English and other skills.This will help them improve their qualifications, self-confidence and take on more responsibilities in social development in the future.”
Wendy Lee Wei Li of Singapore Polytechnic said: “My internship at DTU was a truly eye-opening experience for me, as I learnt a lot from this trip. I was amazed by Danang, it is a wonderful, charming city, with friendly people and many special cultural activities. During my internship, I became aware that I should take on more social responsibilities and I also learnt more about sources of biofuel. I would like to thank the DTU faculty and students for taking care of us during our visit to DTU, a university with the most advanced facilities.“
In 2013, students of Singapore Polytechnic together with students of the DTU Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering conducted several OITP projects, including: “The Production of Rice Husk and Coconut Paring Concrete” and“ The Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil”, and others.
In 2014, the students continued conducting similar projects, such as “The Design and Construction of a Grey Water Recycling System for Environmental Sustainability”, “The Production ofChitosan from Shrimp Shells” and “The Conversion of Solid Waste into Usable Products”. By implementing several OITP projects, DTU has provided big opportunities for students from different countries in the region to enjoy invaluable practical experiences to broaden their knowledge and skills and contribute to the expansion of international partnerships at the university.
(Media Center)