PUTRAJAYA, Sep 23 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through its Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI), organised the 6th International Conference on Smart Sensors and Applications (ICSSA 2026) on 22–23 September 2026 at Pulse Grande Hotel, Putrajaya. Held under the theme “Driving Innovation Beyond Boundaries for Tomorrow’s World,” the conference brought together researchers, international participants, invited speakers and industry representatives to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The gathering reflected UTM’s ASCEND 2030 action plan through its emphasis on international engagement, research visibility and stronger links between academia and industry. It also offered opportunities to expand professional networks, including connections with alumni working across research and industry. Support through the AIM4STAR fund from UTM’s Centre for Community and Industry Network (CCIN) demonstrated the university’s commitment to building partnerships that can extend beyond the conference.

Over two days, ICSSA 2026 provided a platform for more than 50 technical papers spanning smart sensors, intelligent systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced communication networks. Presenters shared findings and received feedback from peers working in related fields. The conference aims to publish the papers in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) conference proceedings, helping the research reach a wider international audience and encouraging further work with practical impact.

The two keynote addresses explored advances in sensing from different perspectives. Prof. Dr. Raymond Ooi Chong Heng of Universiti Malaya (UM) discussed how quantum systems and controlled laser and magnetic fields can support more precise sensing. Principal Engineer at Intel, Ong Soon Ee, examined how artificial intelligence (AI) can help smart sensors interpret their surroundings and support decisions in real-world systems.

The industry forum, titled “Empowering the Future: Sensor Technology and AI in Next-Generation Utilities,” brought together representatives from various industries to discuss how sensors and AI can address practical challenges in the utilities sector. Their perspectives created opportunities for collaboration with researchers to develop and apply these technologies.

At the closing, the organising committee expressed its sincere appreciation to conference collaborators Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and MIMOS Berhad and to the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society (IMS) Malaysia Chapter for its technical support. Special thanks were extended to the industry partners for sharing their perspectives and supporting engagement with researchers. The committee also thanked the invited speakers, authors, participants and volunteers whose contributions made the two-day programme possible.

By supporting knowledge exchange, technology research and partnerships across institutions and sectors, ICSSA 2026 contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The connections formed in Putrajaya provide a foundation for continued research collaboration and wider application of the ideas presented.

Authored by: Ir. Dr. Hazilah Mad Kaidi and Dr. Fadhilah Abdul Razak