JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 3 – The 11th Research in Engineering Education Symposium (REES 2025) was successfully held from 29 September to 3 October 2025 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and DoubleTree by Hilton, Johor Bahru, carrying the theme “Transforming Engineering Education: Breaking Boundaries of Research and Practice.”
The event was organized in conjunction with the 11th Regional Conference in Engineering Education (RCEE), Research in Higher Education (RHEd), and the 7th International Innovative Practices in Higher Education Expo (I-PHEX). It was jointly hosted by the Centre for Engineering Education (CEE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Research in Engineering Education Network (REEN).
REES 2025 brought together more than 120 delegates from 13 countries, including the United States, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, Qatar, Canada, Japan, Belgium, Hong Kong, Nigeria, and Malaysia.
The event began with a Doctoral Symposium, followed by workshops and online paper presentation sessions held at UTM Johor Bahru. Activities at DoubleTree by Hilton included welcoming remarks by REES 2025 Chair, Dr. Nurzal Effiyana Ghazali, keynote speeches, forums, workshops, parallel sessions, dinner and officiation ceremony, and the I-PHEX exhibition showcasing innovative higher education practices.
The symposium was officiated by YB Aznan Tamin, Chairman of the Johor State Committee for Education and Information, marking a significant milestone in advancing engineering education research and collaboration. In his officiation speech, YB Aznan said, “REES 2025 serves as an important catalyst in shaping engineering talent and developing an innovation-based educational framework”. He further stated that with the participation of international experts and research-based discussions, REES also supports Johor’s aspiration to emerge as a regional leader in innovation, cross-border collaboration, and human capital development.
Unlike conventional academic conferences, REES 2025 employed a distinctive interactive presentation format that promoted active engagement and critical dialogue. Each presenter was given five minutes to present their work using a single visual aid, followed by small-group discussions that encouraged delegates to provide meaningful questions and constructive feedback. Sessions concluded with open dialogues led by Session Chairs, fostering rich scholarly exchanges that participants praised for their depth, inclusivity, and effectiveness in stimulating collaborative learning.
A highlight of the symposium was the presentation of the prestigious REEN Duncan Fraser Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions to engineering education research. This year’s recipient was Alexa Ray Fernando, a postgraduate student from the Centre for Engineering Education, UTM, honored for his innovative work in advancing engineering education. He received a certificate, a trophy, and a €500 award in recognition of his achievement.
The success of REES 2025 underscored the commitment and teamwork of the organizing committee, led by Dr. Nurzal Effiyana Ghazali, Director of UTM CEE, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Homero Murzi from Texas A&M University, United States of America. The event was also supported by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
REES 2025 reaffirmed the vital role of engineering education research in nurturing high-skilled talent and building an innovation-driven ecosystem for Malaysia and the global community. As a continuing platform for collaboration, REES connects researchers, educators, and practitioners to shape a future of engineering education that is transformative, inclusive, and human-centered.
By Dr. Nurzal Effiyana Ghazali
