The UTM-Malaysian-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) made waves in the Middle East and left an indelible mark of international collaboration during the 8th International Conference on Advanced Technology and Applied Science (ICATAS) 2023. The conference, hosted by the Arab Academy of Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) from October 10–12, 2023, in the picturesque city of Aswan, Egypt, was not only a platform for groundbreaking research but also a catalyst for promising partnerships. The conference emphasises current and remarkable advances in research and development in the fields of advanced technology, applied sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. It covers a wide range of topics in the field of science and technology, with a particular focus on sustainable development.
The organising committee of MJIIT, under the leadership of Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, has led the delegations from UTM-MJIIT to co-organise ICATAS2023. This year’s conference was characterised by its hybrid format, which allowed participants to attend both in person and virtually. The Governor of Aswan also participated in the opening ceremony, which set the stage for a remarkable event that cut across geographical boundaries.
More than 100 delegates from various academic circles and research areas took part in ICATAS 2023. A total of 80 presentations were given, covering a range of topics in technology and applied sciences, including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, materials science and environmental sustainability. This exchange of knowledge and ideas was a testament to the power of international collaboration in advancing academic excellence.
In the midst of the conference activities, MJIIT delegates took the opportunity to meet with the AASTMT President and other esteemed members of the AASTMT community. Discussions revolved around the potential for collaboration in various areas beyond the joint organisation of conferences, such as joint Masters programmes, student exchanges, research collaborations and the establishment of an AASTMT Summer School at MJIIT. This multifaceted collaboration promises to be enriching for both institutions and a seamless exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Discussions with Professor Dr. Yasser El-Sonbaty, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, on collaborative activities between AASTMT Arab Academy For Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in conjunction with the 8th International Conference on Advanced Technology and Applied Science 2023 @ ICATAS2023. UTM-MJIIT will organise the conference of the 9th International Conference on Advanced Technology and Applied Science 2024 @ ICATAS2024.
Not content with the success achieved in Egypt, the MJIIT extended its reach further into the Middle East by organising a courtesy visit to the University of Sharjah in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. This visit, which took place from 12 to 14 October 2023, was a precursor to possible joint Master’s programmes in Management Technology and Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering. Before the visit, virtual talks were held between MJIIT and the University of Sharjah, hosted by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof Yousef Haik, and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dato Prof Ir Dr Abdul Wahab Mohammad. During these talks, numerous joint activities were discussed, laying the foundation for future initiatives in education and research.
UTM-MJIIT’s trip to the Middle East centred on ICATAS 2023, was not just a conference but a platform to build bridges, promote international cooperation, and set the course for a future full of promising collaborations. This remarkable partnership exemplifies UTM-MJIIT’s commitment to advancing academic excellence and global knowledge exchange.