KUALA LUMPUR, Sep 9 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), in collaboration with i-SOMET, co-organised the 25th International Conference on Intelligent Software Methodologies, Tools and Techniques (SOMET 2026), held from 9 to 10 September 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.

The conference brought together international researchers, academics, industry practitioners and postgraduate scholars to exchange research findings, share technological innovations and explore developments in intelligent software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and software science.

Celebrating its 25th edition, SOMET 2026 continued to bridge theoretical research and practical experience, highlighting the importance of intelligent, reliable and human-centric software systems in digital transformation.

A key highlight was the keynote address by the Dean of the Faculty of Computing, UTM, Prof. Ts. Dr. Azlan Mohd Zain, entitled “Recent Trends and Innovations in Computer Science for Emerging Technologies.” He explored six interconnected areas shaping the future of computing: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), Data Science, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Software Engineering.

The keynote highlighted how these technologies support decision-making, automation and data-driven innovation, while underscoring software engineering’s role in developing reliable, scalable and sustainable solutions to real-world challenges.

SOMET 2026 received 75 research submissions, of which 40 papers were selected for presentation and publication, representing an acceptance rate of approximately 53%. Each submission underwent a double-blind peer-review process to assess research quality, originality and technical relevance. The accepted papers covered eight thematic areas: generative software systems; intelligent applications and decision-making; knowledge-based software systems; natural language processing and modelling; security and privacy; software requirements and validation; graphic analysis-based systems; and machine learning and applications.

The research contributions were published by IOS Press in the open-access eBook New Trends in Intelligent Software Methodologies, Tools and Techniques, Volume 430 of the Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and Applications series. The proceedings were edited by Prof. Hamido Fujita, Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat and Farhan Mohamed, helping disseminate peer-reviewed research in intelligent software engineering, AI and emerging software technologies to an international audience.

UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim served as Honorary Chair, with Prof. Hamido Fujita as General Chair. UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat and Farhan Mohamed served as Programme Chairs.

MJIIT academics also supported programme coordination, publicity, technical sessions and participant engagement, reflecting the institute’s commitment to international academic partnerships and globally recognised research platforms.

Beyond the technical presentations, the conference enabled participants to build professional networks and explore potential collaborations across universities, research institutions and industry. The collaboration between MJIIT and i-SOMET demonstrated UTM’s efforts to strengthen international research engagement, promote knowledge transfer and encourage interdisciplinary innovation.

SOMET 2026 marked another milestone in MJIIT and UTM’s commitment to research excellence and technological innovation, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a regional platform for intelligent software engineering and digital transformation.

For further information, visit the SOMET 2026 official website and access the conference proceedings published by IOS Press.