History and Development of the Chemical Engineering Program at UiTM
The history of the Chemical Engineering program at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) began in 1972 when UiTM, then known as Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM), started offering a Diploma in Industrial Chemistry under the Faculty of Applied Sciences. This marked the initial step in establishing a foundation for education in the field of chemical engineering at the institution.
Entering the new millennium, in 2000, UiTM Shah Alam made an important milestone by introducing the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) Chemical program under the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. This program provided students with the opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, further strengthening UiTM's role in developing the nation's engineering expertise.
In 2003, a historic moment occurred with the official establishment of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at UiTM Shah Alam. At the same time, two major initiatives were launched: the introduction of the Diploma in Chemical Engineering in Shah Alam, and the launch of postgraduate programs (MSc and PhD) in chemical engineering. This marked the transition from merely offering basic education to building a research and development (R&D) ecosystem in chemical engineering.
Between 2005 and 2007, UiTM continued to expand its diploma programs. The Diploma in Chemical Engineering was introduced at several branch campuses, namely in Penang (2005), Terengganu (2006), and Sarawak (2007), providing wider access for students nationwide to quality technical education.
In 2008, UiTM made another significant leap by offering the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) Oil and Gas program in Shah Alam. This program was a new branch focusing on energy and petroleum engineering, aligned with the rapidly growing oil and gas industry at that time.
In 2014, two more new programs were introduced: the Diploma in Chemical Engineering at the Pasir Gudang campus in Johor, and the Bachelor of Engineering Chemical (Environment) with Honours at the Penang campus. Both programs were designed to meet the needs of the industrial sector, which was increasingly focusing on environmental sustainability.
Finally, in 2021, UiTM implemented an important strategic restructuring. The College of Engineering was established, with the School of Chemical Engineering now operating under this college. This restructuring enhanced the academic and research status of the School of Chemical Engineering, driving the faculty towards international excellence.
