1 Nov 2025 - A team of Chemical Engineering students from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), competing under the name Team Hydrovanta, proudly represented the university at the prestigious ChemE Cube 2025 competition hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The event, themed Advancing Water Purification Through Innovation, serves as a national platform for future chemical engineers to create compact, efficient, and market-ready systems for water purification, addressing real-world environmental and industrial challenges.

The ChemE Cube competition aims to cultivate innovative water treatment solutions by requiring participants to develop a fully functional miniaturized water purification system of one cubic feet size capable of removing pollutants and improving water quality. Students are also tasked with designing the system, conducting experimental validation, preparing a technical poster, and pitching their innovation to industry and academic judges — strengthening both technical and communication skills.

Team Hydrovanta consists of Thibanu a/p Chandran, Belinda Cheu Jin Huang, Mohammad Fikrihaikal bin Muzahar, and Aishatur Ridha binti Mohd Asari, a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering student from the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology (FTKKP). The team was supervised by PM Ir. Dr. Syed Mohd Saufi bin Tuan Chik and assisted by FTKKP technical staff Mr. Hairul Hisham Bin Ismail.

The team showcased an innovative cube-based water purification system, engineered through hands-on research and real wastewater simulation. Their system features hybrid activated carbon derived from coffee waste and coconut husk, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability, circular economy practices, and green engineering.

During the demonstration, the prototype achieved a rapid and effective filtration performance, producing clear, colourless water — highlighting its promise for small-scale, low-cost, and sustainable wastewater treatment, particularly for rural or emergency water supply applications.

This participation reinforces UMPSA’s dedication to nurturing industry-ready engineers and promoting sustainable innovation, aligned with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Congratulations to Team Hydrovanta for their creativity, dedication, and strong representation of UMPSA in advancing future-focused water purification technology!