UTP Engineers Global Impact through Dual-Degree Partnership with Deakin

Born from industry, built for impact. UTP develops forward-looking engineers and professionals who solve global challenges from Malaysia's living laboratory of biodiversity.

A notable example of this vision in action is the dual-degree PhD programme between Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and Deakin University, Australia.

For the 2024/2025 academic year, PhD candidate Mohd Sofi Numin of UTP's Department of Applied Sciences (DAS) became the second from the university to enrol in the programme, following Nurul Neesa Idris from the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department in 2021.

Mohd Sofi's research addresses preferential weld corrosion (PWC) in metal pipelines — a critical challenge for the oil and gas industry. By combining molecular modelling, materials chemistry, and mechanical engineering, he aims to develop more effective corrosion inhibitors.

"At UTP, I've had the opportunity to design and test a new inhibitor at the molecular level. This rigorous training has prepared me well for my next phase at Deakin," said Mohd Sofi.

In September 2024, he joined Deakin's School of Engineering and Built Environment to further investigate corrosion and inhibition mechanisms in welded regions using advanced probes for localised corrosion study. His one-year research placement at Deakin will conclude at the end of August 2025.

His research is fully funded under Deakin's dual-degree scholarship scheme, which covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend.

"Joining this dual-degree programme has been a dream come true. It was always my aspiration to study abroad, and this programme is not only giving me that experience but also allowing me to deepen my research in a world-class setting," he said.

Mohd Sofi expressed heartfelt appreciation to the mentors who supported his journey, acknowledging his UTP supervisors, Assoc Prof Ts Dr Khairulazhar Jumbri from DAS and Dr Kee Kok Eng from the Mechanical Engineering Department, for their invaluable encouragement and expertise. He also conveyed gratitude to his Deakin mentors, Professor Mike Yongjun Tan and Dr Bob Varela, for their warm welcome and expert supervision.

More than an academic pathway, the UTP–Deakin partnership reflects a shared commitment to solving real-world problems through cross-border collaboration — bridging two institutions united in engineering solutions for a more sustainable future.