congtratz,
i think chemical engineering is a new course in UTHM becoz during my studies in 2006-2008 the course isn't avalaible yet. one thing u must know that u must put all your hardwork in the 1st semester, u must at least score 3.5 and above so that your grade will not suffer much in the next semester to come. in the 1st semester is a bit easy depending on the lecturer that lectures you. that's why u must score high GPA so that u will not suffer to bring up your GPA becoz when u started with low GPA u will have a very hard time to gain high GPA and you will become stressfull. and also u must have a good relations with your lecturers becoz you carry marks and final marks depends on them. and also see them often when ur having trouble with your courses.
that's all i can give u...