The Asia Pacific Consortium of Mathematics for Industry (APCMfI) is dedicated to advancing mathematics for industry in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on collaboration for shared growth. As part of this mission, the consortium actively promotes the exchange of mathematical knowledge and facilitates conferences, internships, and other relevant activities across the Asia-Pacific region. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), represented by its research centre, the UTM Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (UTM-CIAM), is one of the founding members of this consortium and plays a crucial role in furthering its objectives.
One of the outstanding initiatives of the consortium is the Forum of Mathematics for Industry (FMfI), which has been held annually since 2016. This forum has consistently attracted renowned speakers worldwide and promoted the exchange of expertise and experience in collaboration with industry. The most recent edition, “Math-for-Industry” 2023 (FMfI2023), was successfully concluded at the Nishijin Plaza of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. This fifteenth edition of the event featured a wide range of papers and presentations from leading international researchers specialising in the field of mathematics for industry.
The decision to choose UTM-CIAM as the host for the upcoming FMfI in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for September 9–12, 2024, came about following a council meeting presided over by APCMfI President Zainal Abdul Aziz, an adjunct professor at UTM and UTM-CIAM advisor.
This year’s FMfI (FMfI 2023), held from 28 August to 1 September 2023, was attended by 124 people, including 70 esteemed faculty members, 34 dedicated students and 20 other notable participants. Of particular note, 25 participants represented overseas institutions, highlighting the international reach of the conference. FMfI 2023 was organised as a satellite event of the 10th International Congress on Industrial Mathematics and Applied Mathematics (ICIAM 2023), held in Tokyo a week earlier.
A notable highlight of FMfI 2023 was the participation of 28 expert speakers worldwide. They reported on groundbreaking research in a wide range of areas relevant to mathematics in industry.
Among the distinguished speakers was Nor Haniza Sarmin, a mathematics professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, who represented UTM-CIAM at the event. Her talk titled “DNA Splicing: Emerging Technologies in Recombinant DNA Using Formal Language Theory” was well received by the audience. It is worth noting that Professor Sarmin’s participation in this forum was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Institute of Mathematics for Industry (IMI) at Kyushu University.
The conference covered a wide range of disciplines in applied mathematics, including data analysis, statistics, optimisation, geometry, mathematical modelling and mathematical logic. Presentations ranged from individual research projects to large-scale undertakings and highlighted the diverse and ever-growing role of mathematics in industry. There were engaging question-and-answer sessions following each presentation, which provided participants with the chance to speak with the speakers in person and learn more about the subject. These interactions not only facilitated the exchange of knowledge but also promoted joint discussions among the participants.
In addition to the lectures, FMfI 2023 featured a competition for poster presentations by PhD students, which included 19 posters. The event organisers recognised the outstanding contributions of IMADA, Rinki (University of Tokyo), who received the prestigious Best Poster Award, and SASAKI, Hiroki (Kyushu University), who was honoured with the Excellent Poster Award.
The conference also offered participants the opportunity to socialise and network at a banquet on the second evening at the Miyamae Geihinkan Toumyoden, located next to the historic Kushida Shrine. Professor Emeritus Broadbridge of La Trobe University and Vice President of APCMfI gave the opening address, setting the stage for a memorable evening as participants enjoyed the culinary delights of Hakata and strengthened their professional contacts.
In summary, FMfI 2023 was a remarkable gathering of mathematicians, researchers and professionals worldwide. With its diverse range of lectures, engaging discussions and recognition of student contributions, this year’s conference underscored the pivotal role of mathematics in addressing real-world industrial challenges. It heightened the anticipation for FMfI 2024 at UTM in Malaysia.
Prepared by: Nor Haniza Sarmin, Arifah Bahar