A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry helps readers discover the opportunities chemical engineers have in the palm oil industry. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Edible oils are big business. Especially palm oil. Palm oil has been widely used in food and non-food industries. More than half the products on sale in supermarkets are made with palm oil—yet many people hardly know anything about this industry. They don’t even know chemical engineers have a significant role to play in this industry. Hence, I am motivated to write a book to provide a series of episodes for readers to discover the opportunities chemical engineers have in the palm oil milling industry. I hope this non-fiction memoir book could bring readers closer to the most enigmatic profession of all time. The book is available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Kobo and other major retailers.

This book sheds light on an enigmatic profession. What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?

I would love the readers to feel that they have been presented at a talk given by an expert who knows his topic. Everyone after reading “A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry” should feel that they came away with insights not only about what made a good chemical engineer easily transferred into the palm oil milling industry but also how widespread palm oil is in everyday life.

You have 15 years of operational experience in the palm oil industry. How has your experience helped you write this book?

When I got involved in the Institution of Chemical Engineers, I often found myself drawing upon my experiences at one of the country’s leading oil palm plantation companies. I learned that many of the experiences and knowledge I gained are lessons from which any chemical engineer could benefit from. Through my speaking engagements, I realize that there was tremendous interest in the society in gaining a better understanding of the inner workings of this profession. That is how my first nonfiction memoir, “A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry” came about in my late thirties. As I wrote this book based upon my expertise and experience, I didn’t have to rely heavily on research or on knowledge that comes from others. My writing flowed more smoothly when I was not struggling to interpret data, interviews, or to make my story realistic. When my book stemmed from my knowledge and experience, I felt more passionate about what I write, which showed in my finished work. As a result, I produced episodes that read well.

What is one thing that surprises most people about palm oil?

Interesting question. While there are many fun facts about palm oil, these are by far my favorite: Palm oil is an incredibly efficient crop, producing more oil per land area than any other vegetable oil crop, and is the most commonly produced vegetable oil in the world. Palm oil has been widely used in food and non-food industries. It can be found in a wide range of products in a typical grocery store, including shampoo, toothpaste, candles, baked goods, lipstick, processed foods, and even as a component of plastic produce bags that helps them to open more easily.

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