The use of conventional fossil fuels, a non-renewable source of energy, has been frequently regarded as unsustainable, as well as being relatively harmful to the environment. To reduce the use of these fuels, Solar Energy is one of the more popular ways of generating energy in a way that is renewable and has a lower carbon footprint.
On 18 February 2019, SSIET organized a site visit to LONGi (Kuching) Sdn. Bhd, one of the major manufacturers of high-efficiency mono-crystalline solar cells and modules. With an international collaboration between Swinburne Sarawak and its main campus, Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Campus (Melbourne), 20 participants were involved in the visit. Dr. Chua Hong Siang and Dr. Ismat Hijazin accompanied the team during the visit. The purpose of the trip was to allow participants to understand the technical aspects of the company, organization structure and culture, as well as occupational health and safety (OHS) practiced by the company.
Upon arrival at LONGi at 2pm, the participants were greeted by Ms. Chan Jo Le, from the Human Resource Department, who was responsible in leading the visit. After registration at the security check, the participants were guided to a meeting room. This was followed by a short presentation by Mr. Chan on the overview of the company. He explained the history of the company, as well as the mission and vision of LONGi. After that, staff representatives of different departments came up to explain the manufacturing process of mono-crystalline solar panels. The process consisted of five parts: ingot, shaping, wafer, call, and module.
By 4pm, Mr. Shawn, Facilitator of the Plant, led the participants on a plant tour. From there, the participants were given an opportunity see the previously-explained processes in person, as well as handling some of the raw materials used in manufacturing.
At 5pm, as the tour came to a close, a plaque was presented as a token of appreciation to Mr. Chan and his team for helping make the site visit possible.
Event Report by:
Tsen Xin Hui
Edited by:
Edwin Thou