What happens when a chemical engineer picks up a pen? For Hong Wai Onn, it means turning the gritty world of palm oil mills into a story that captivates readers. Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Hong has spent nearly 20 years shaping the palm oil and biotech industries. Now, he’s a leader at Novozymes, an award-winning author, and a champion for sustainability. His journey shows how one person can mix science, storytelling, and purpose to spark change.
A Start in Ipoh
Hong grew up in Ipoh, a city known for its tasty food and limestone hills. He came from a simple family but dreamed big. At Universiti Malaysia Sabah, he studied chemical engineering. After that, he joined Genting Plantations and began working in palm oil. Over time, he learned about production, safety, and more. Today, he brings that experience to his job at Novozymes, a company that makes enzymes for industries.
In his role as Technical Service Manager, Hong leads a team in Malaysia and Indonesia. They help companies use enzymes to improve palm oil processing. For example, these enzymes make the process greener and faster. Hong loves this work because it blends science with real-world impact.
A Book That Broke Records
In 2020, Hong wrote A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry. This book tells his story and shares lessons from his career. With 52,302 words, it’s the longest palm oil memoir in Malaysia, according to the Malaysia Book of Records. Readers love it too. Literary Titan gave it a Gold Award, and Readers’ Favorite rated it five stars.
Experts praise the book as well. Mahbob Abdullah, a plantation expert, said it’s the first to share mill stories. Another leader, Tan Sri Augustine Ong, liked Hong’s fresh ideas. For Hong, writing was a way to show how engineers help the palm oil world. Plus, it inspires young people to join the field.
Pushing for a Better Future
Hong doesn’t just work in labs. He speaks up about big ideas too. For instance, he writes about sustainability in The Chemical Engineer. In 2024, he argued that palm oil gets a bad rap for its environmental impact. He believes it can be a low-carbon fuel if people see the facts. “We need to rethink old assumptions,” he wrote.
Additionally, Hong helps young engineers grow. He gives grants of up to RM 500 for them to attend events. He also awards RM 1,000 each year to a student with great research on palm oil. These steps show his commitment to the next generation.
Life Beyond Work
When he’s not busy, Hong enjoys travel. Recently, he visited The Sira, a fancy resort in Lombok, Indonesia. He called it “amazing” on Facebook. Whether relaxing or speaking to crowds, Hong stays warm and approachable. His talks mix humor with lessons from his life.
A Man of Many Titles
Hong has earned plenty of honors. He’s a Chartered Chemical Engineer and a fellow of groups like the Institution of Chemical Engineers. He’s also a Freeman of the City of London—a rare title for an engineer. In Malaysia, he helps lead the IChemE board. These roles prove his skill and respect in the field.
Why Hong Matters
Hong Wai Onn makes a difference every day. At Novozymes, he pushes for greener palm oil. Through his book, he shares knowledge. And with his grants, he lifts others up. His story proves that hard work and big ideas can change an industry. So, as Hong keeps going, he inspires us all to think bigger and act bolder.