KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) today reaffirmed its position as a leading Fourth Generation University at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Asia-Pacific International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility (APEMC 2026), held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) of UTM, Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, delivered the Welcoming Remarks at the symposium, which has drawn together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and academics from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. APEMC 2026 marks a significant milestone for the regional Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) community, with Malaysia serving as host of this year’s edition.

In his address, Prof. Ali outlined a forward-looking vision for the role of universities in an era defined by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, autonomous systems, and advanced communications.

“Universities today must not only generate knowledge. They must connect ecosystems, integrate disciplines, translate ideas into impact, and serve as catalysts for national, regional, and global progress,” he said.

He described this as the spirit of the Fourth Generation University, an institution that works across boundaries, strengthens innovation ecosystems, and co-creates solutions of consequence to society.

EMC as the Silent Enabler of Trust in Technology

Prof. Ali framed Electromagnetic Compatibility as a foundational, if often unseen, discipline underpinning the digital age.

“In a world driven by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, autonomous systems, smart cities, advanced communications, biomedical devices, and digital infrastructure, the importance of EMC has never been more critical,” he said.

“EMC is the silent enabler of trust in technology. Without EMC, innovation cannot scale. Without EMC, integration cannot be sustained. Without EMC, the digital future cannot function with the confidence and resilience that society requires.”

The symposium’s keynote programme reflects the breadth and strategic relevance of the field. Prof. Ke Wu is set to address the evolution of guided-wave technologies towards all-pass integrated circuits and systems, connecting RF, microwave, millimetre-wave, terahertz, electronics, and photonics. Renato Lombardi will deliver an industry perspective on advanced electromagnetics for 5G and 6G wireless communication systems, while Prof. Jianqing Wang will speak on EMC for wearable devices, a domain increasingly central to healthcare and human-centred biomedical communications.

A Threefold Mandate for the Modern University

Prof. Ali laid out three priorities that anchor UTM’s institutional direction, which include developing talent that is globally competent and locally relevant, fostering research that is not only excellent but also impactful, and building partnerships that transcend borders, sectors and silos.

“In today’s interconnected world, no single institution, industry, or country can address the complexity of technological challenges alone. Collaboration is no longer optional. It is foundational,” he reminded the audience.

He further noted that platforms such as APEMC are vital for bridging theory and real-world application, and for connecting universities, industry, professional bodies, and governments around shared technological futures.

A Call to Collaborative Action

Closing his remarks, Prof. Ali urged participants to use the symposium as a launchpad for partnership rather than mere presentation.

“Let us therefore use APEMC 2026 not only to present findings, but also to forge partnerships. Let us move beyond conversations towards collaborative action. And let us ensure that the advancements we drive through this symposium contribute not only to technological progress, but also to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global society,” he said.

He left the audience with a closing reflection, “The future of innovation will not be defined by individual breakthroughs alone, but by our collective ability to connect knowledge, people, and purpose across borders.”

About APEMC 2026

The 2026 Asia-Pacific International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility (APEMC 2026) is taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, bringing together the regional and international EMC community for keynote sessions, technical presentations, exhibitions, and industry engagement. The symposium is chaired by Prof. Lee Kai Yak as General Chair.

Author: Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Edited by: Muhamad Syafik Rahmat, Head of Corporate Section, Department of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni)