JurnalPost.com, Tianjin — The sound of gas chromatography equipment hummed steadily in a laboratory at the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tianjin University, northern China. Amidst the activity, instructor Qi Xiangjuan explained the key operational stages of the equipment in English to a group of Indonesian students who listened intently.
The students took notes and occasionally asked questions. This laboratory session was part of an effort to strengthen academic ties between Indonesia and China, particularly in the development of more environmentally friendly chemical engineering technologies.
A total of 26 faculty members and students from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) recently participated in the International Summer Camp on Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Future at Tianjin University. The two-week program featured a variety of academic activities and field practices.
The summer camp focused on China's Dual Carbon goals—reaching peak carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. The program also introduced China's technological advancements and expertise in chemical engineering to address challenges related to the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Since the program began, participants attended eight lectures covering the latest developments in chemical engineering. They also visited several laboratories, conducted hands-on experiments, and toured industrial zones.
The curriculum covered carbon capture technology, catalysis for hydrogen energy, and membrane separation. These fields are considered relevant to the transition toward green and low-carbon industries, aligning with Indonesia's needs for clean energy development and carbon emission reduction.
Tianjin Laboratory Technology Captures ITB Students' Interest
The presence of modern laboratory equipment was one of the most engaging experiences for the Indonesian students.
Putu Pradnya Paramita Wibawa, a third-year ITB student whose research focuses on catalysts, was impressed after conducting experiments using gas chromatography.
“At ITB, our gas chromatography equipment is still largely operated manually. Here, the automated sample injection system, various types of reactors, and fully digitalized platforms truly amazed me. I am very eager to have the opportunity to learn with equipment like this,” she said.
A similar sentiment was shared by Albert Jhonatan Wellson Sinaga, a second-year ITB student. He was particularly interested in the use of virtual simulation experiment systems and smart laboratories that can be accessed remotely.
According to Albert, these systems allow students to simulate entire experimental stages via computer before performing them in person.
“You can simulate the entire experimental process through a computer without worrying about making mistakes during actual operation. This way of learning is truly new to me,” he said.
Albert had previously learned about this technology from an ITB senior who had participated in an international competition on remote smart experiments organized by Tianjin University.
Therefore, the opportunity to try the technology firsthand was a unique experience for him.
“We hope this exchange does not end this year, but can continue in the years to come,” he said.
Integrating AI and Remote Laboratories
The School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tianjin University continues to develop learning systems that combine digital technology with laboratory practice.
In developing greener and smarter chemical engineering, the school has integrated cloud-based remote laboratory operations with automated evaluation systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
This model allows students to conduct experimental learning remotely and has been developed as an international educational resource that can be shared.
Tianjin University is also exploring international evaluation standards for AI-based remote experiments. This step is aimed at building an international chemical engineering education community that blends virtual and physical experiments.
Indonesian and Chinese Students Participate in Chem-E-Car Competition
In addition to laboratory activities, participants also took part in the Chem-E-Car competition.
In this activity, Tianjin University students joined Indonesian students in teams to operate mini cars powered by chemical reactions.
The participants competed to control their vehicles to stop as close as possible to the finish line.
The competition was lively. Students waited tensely before the vehicles started moving, then cheered as their respective cars approached the designated line.
One Indonesian student said the experience helped them understand the application of reaction kinetics more tangibly.
“Previously, I only studied reaction kinetics from textbooks. Only after practicing it myself did I realize how important parameter control is. The combination of chemical engineering and automatic control is very interesting,” he said.
The cars used in the competition utilized chemical reactions as an energy source and operated without producing carbon emissions. This technology serves as a simple example of how green chemical engineering principles can be applied in a system.
Understanding the Transformation of China's Chemical Industry
Tianjin is known as one of the birthplaces of China's modern chemical industry. Therefore, the summer camp series also included visits to several research and industrial centers.
The Indonesian participants visited the Huanghai Chemical Industry Research Institute of the Tianjin Bohai Chemical Industry Group.
During the visit, they learned about the history of the Jiu Da Fine Salt Company and the Yongli Soda Factory, founded by Fan Xudong.
The participants also observed the transformation of China's chemical industry, from traditional soda ash production to the development of sustainable aviation fuel technology, safer zinc-ion batteries, and transparent ABS resin.
These developments demonstrate the efforts of China's chemical industry toward production that is increasingly environmentally friendly, high-value, and specialized.
ITB and Tianjin University Expand Cooperation
The partnership between the two universities has been developing since early 2026.
At that time, a delegation led by the dean of chemical engineering at ITB visited Tianjin University and praised the various experimental teaching devices developed independently by the university.
ITB also took note of the practical learning system that has been well-established at Tianjin University.
In the following months, the two universities signed a faculty-level cooperation agreement and a student exchange program. From this collaboration, the international summer camp was born.
Wang Jun, Vice Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tianjin University, said his institution has been building a comprehensive English-language education system for international students since 2015.
The program is available at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels.
Tianjin University's chemical engineering program is also noted as the first in China to receive the highest level of international accreditation three times from the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
“As one of the leading chemical engineering departments in China, we have a responsibility to share high-quality educational resources, contribute to the Belt and Road cooperation, and bring Chinese expertise to green and sustainable development in the world,” said Wang.
Two-Way Exchanges to be Strengthened
ITB and Tianjin University have now completed discussions regarding a new student cooperation program. Several research groups from both institutions have also begun building communication.
ITB has also expressed a desire to develop collaboration with Tianjin University in the field of experimental teaching.
Furthermore, lecturers and students from Tianjin University have been invited to participate in summer camp activities in Indonesia. The program is expected to further strengthen the two-way academic exchange between the two universities.
Wang Huaiyuan, an official at the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tianjin University, said that green and sustainable development is a shared goal for chemical engineering professionals in both Indonesia and China.
“Green and sustainable development is a common goal for chemical engineering professionals in both countries,” he said.
According to Wang, bringing in young academics from abroad is not just a means of knowledge exchange in the academic field.
The program also provides an opportunity for international students to understand more about Chinese education and culture while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.
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