Immersive Learning in Process Safety Engineering: Bridging Theory and Practice

03 May 2023

The NUS Master of Science (Safety, Health, and Environmental Technology) [MSc (SHE)] students recently learned how to put process safety first, improving their awareness and appreciation of engineering best practices. They did so through a series of workshops jointly held by the NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE) and Singapore Polytechnic (SP). The workshops conducted collaboratively by CDE and SP lecturers were held at the SP Energy & Chemicals Training Centre (ECTC).

The series offered students immersive learning that complemented their MSc (SHE) curriculum through workshops that covered Process Safety Digitalisation and the Fundamentals in Process Safety.

Students received hands-on training through digitalisation tools and gadgets such as VR headsets for the conduct of immersive safety training; the digital twins of a chemical plant; smart glasses for onsite plant monitoring and remote coaching; and diagnostic instruments for real-time plant equipment monitoring. Role-playing as consultants, offering consultancy ahead of a Process Safety Management audit, injected another element of real-world experiences.

On the usefulness of the workshops, participating students Joseph Tiew and Charles Foo, shared: “The opportunity to venture into the pilot plant armed with cutting-edge digital tools (such as the Realwear glasses for remote inspection, VR-headset for safety induction, and training simulator for emergency handling) was an eye-opener. We gained invaluable insights and learning experiences”.