JOHOR BAHRU – The prestigious Regional Congress on Membrane Technology (RCOM2024) focused on “Innovative Solutions for Water-Energy-Food-Health Ecosystems Nexus Towards a Sustainable Environment.” It was held at the Impiana Hotel in Johor Bahru from September 30 to October 1, 2024. This event was co-hosted by the Advanced Membrane Technology Research Center (AMTEC) and the Frontiers Material Research Alliance (FMRA) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

The theme of RCOM2024 centered around innovative ideas for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in areas related to energy and water technologies and industrial advancements. The congress aimed to showcase research and development efforts in membrane technology to meet industrial demands. This includes technologies for water treatment for both domestic and industrial use, as well as applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, beverages, food, metallurgy sectors, and other separation processes.

Ultimately, the RCOM2024 served as an international platform for idea exchange among professionals, researchers, academicians, and industries from Malaysia and beyond. It aimed to revitalize, accelerate, and develop research in the fields of membrane and environmental technology. The partnerships formed during this event, both locally and internationally, are expected to open new avenues for future breakthroughs, driving the development of cutting-edge membrane technologies and their real-world applications. It is hoped that this conference will significantly enhance these technologies, supporting a more sustainable future by 2030.

The RCOM2024 commenced with opening remarks from Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman, the Chair of FMRA UTM. Participants from various countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Türkiye, Nigeria, and Japan, attended the conference, which was conducted in person. The event featured 80 oral and poster presentations, attracting attendees from different institutions, universities, and the private sector.

On the first day of the conference, participants gathered in the Grand Maharani Hall to listen to plenary speeches delivered by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ersoz from Selçuk University in Türkiye and Prof. Ir. Yong Wai Fen from Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM). Both speakers were successful in sharing their insights with the audience.

The sessions were followed by two keynote speeches from distinguished researchers from Indonesia: Prof. Dr. Yusuf Wibisono from Universitas Brawijaya and Prof. Nurul Widiastuti from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember. The third keynote speech for RCOM2024 was presented by Mukhlis Jamatolail, a representative from industry at ITS-Envilan Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia, who shared valuable insights on the “Advances and Challenges in Industrial Effluent Treatment Systems in Malaysia.”

In the evening, the Grand Dinner of RCOM 2024 commenced, with participants donning “Retro” attire at the Maharani Grand Hall, Impiana Hotel. The chair of RCOM 2024, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Norhaniza Yusof delivered a welcoming speech to express gratitude for all guests’ attendance. Attendees enjoyed a special meal while being entertained by the D’Noname Band, which performed a selection of iconic retro songs from artists such as ABBA and Bon Jovi.

A highlight of the evening was the award presentation for the King and Queen of Retro Night at the RCOM2024 Grand Annual Dinner, which went to Muhammad Nur Syahir and Ezzaty.

At the closing ceremony of RCOM2024, the recipients of the MyMembrane award were announced, along with the winners of the American Chemical Society’s Best Poster Presenters and Best Oral Presenters awards. Congratulations to the esteemed MyMembrane award recipients: Mohd Hazarel Zairy Mohd Harun, Lau Hui Shen, and Nadiene Salleha Mohd Nawi. They were selected for their outstanding contributions to their research field by a panel of judges from both the private and public sectors.

The award for Best Oral Presenter from the ACS went to Liew Chia Ming, Prof. Dr. Sadaki Samitsu, Norfarhana Abdul Samad, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md Rezaur Rahman. The ACS Malaysia Chapter also presented a consolation prize for Best Poster Presenter to Loh Jia Cheng and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Hashimah Alias.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Juhana Jaafar, the Director of AMTEC, delivered the closing speech and congratulated the winners and the committee members. The event concluded with a group photo featuring the participants, plenary and keynote speakers, and members of the conference committee.

The conference organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors—Frontier Material Research Alliance, Kras Instrument and Service, MTM, and Intelisys—for their generous support, which played a crucial role in the success of this event. RCOM2024 was truly a memorable experience for all participants, and we eagerly anticipate seeing them again at the next RCOM2026.

Written by: Assoc. Prof. Ch.M. Dr. Roswanira Abdul Wahab, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Norhaniza Yusof, Dr Farhana Aziz and Prof. Ts. Dr. Juhana Jaafar