KUALA LUMPUR – The 9th International Conference on Advanced Technology and Applied Sciences (ICATAS) 2024, held at the Everly Hotel, Putrajaya, from October 9 to 11, 2024, concluded with resounding success, reaffirming its status as a leading global forum for technological and scientific collaboration. Organized by the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT), the conference brought together top researchers, industry professionals, and thought leaders from over 20 countries to exchange innovative ideas and research findings across diverse fields of advanced technology and applied sciences.
The conference was inaugurated with insightful welcome speeches by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shahrum Shah Abdullah, Deputy Dean (Research & Innovation) of MJIIT, and Prof. Dr. Khaled Shehata, President and Consultant for Scientific Research at AASTMT, both highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary research and the ever-growing significance of international partnerships. These sentiments were echoed by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Nurulakmar Husain, Dean of MJIIT, in her opening remarks, where she emphasized how ICATAS serves as a vital platform to foster global collaboration and drive forward innovation in key areas like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable materials.
Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) at UTM, officiated the event with a powerful call to action for strengthening cooperation between nations and institutions, ensuring the next generation of scientists and engineers are equipped to solve the world’s pressing challenges.
A major highlight of this year’s event was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UTM and AASTMT, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership to advance joint research, academic exchange, and technological development. The MoU represents a crucial milestone in deepening Malaysia-Egypt cooperation in science and education, setting the stage for groundbreaking innovations in the years ahead.
ICATAS 2024 featured an impressive lineup of over 200 technical papers across multiple disciplines such as nanotechnology, robotics, sustainable infrastructure, and biotechnology. These presentations showcased cutting-edge research and real-world applications, providing a platform for robust discussion and knowledge sharing. Panel sessions delved into contemporary issues, such as climate resilience, advancements in automation, and the future of digital technologies.
The conference also celebrated the diversity of its participants, with engaging sessions that encouraged networking and cross-border collaboration. It provided a unique platform for young researchers to present their work and interact with seasoned experts, fostering a culture of mentorship and continuous learning.
One of the most impactful moments of ICATAS 2024 was the industry sharing session by PETRONAS, where leaders from Malaysia’s national oil and gas company shared insights on how innovation in technology and sustainability is shaping the future of the energy industry. Their participation enriched the event with real-world applications and case studies, showcasing the role of industry-academia collaboration in addressing critical challenges in energy and environmental sustainability.
Also extend heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors for their invaluable support in making this conference a success. This hybrid event, with a total participation of up to 90 attendees (both physical and online), reflects the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing industry and academia. We would also like to express our deep appreciation to our esteemed keynote speakers, Professor Dr. Hamido Fujita, Professor Dr. Yahya Zakaria Mohasseb, and Ir Dr. M Zurix Mohamed, for sharing their profound insights and expertise.
Looking forward, it was announced that the 10th edition of ICATAS will be held in Egypt in 2025, in continuation of its tradition to rotate host countries annually, further strengthening the ties between the scientific communities of Malaysia and Egypt. This ensures that the knowledge-sharing and innovations sparked at ICATAS will continue to evolve and flourish on the global stage.
With this year’s conference setting a new benchmark, ICATAS continues to be a beacon for international scientific cooperation, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved through collaborative research in technology and applied sciences. The event has been instrumental in shaping future technological advancements, with the collective efforts from various institutions committed to solving some of the world’s most critical challenges.
