YICHANG, Sep 3 – Researchers from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), UTM, participated in the 7th International Conference on Watershed Ecological Protection, Restoration, and Biodiversity Conservation, held at China Three Gorges University (CTGU), Yichang, China, from 31 August to 3 September 2026.

Representing UTM-MJIIT were Dr. Liew Wai Loan and Ir. Ts. Dr. Faizah Che Ros, who contributed through invited addresses and keynote presentations.

Initiated and led by the Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Ecological Conservation and Management in the Three Gorges Area, the conference has developed into an international academic exchange platform for researchers working on watershed ecology, environmental protection, restoration, and biodiversity conservation.

This year’s conference was co-hosted by Meijo University of Japan, Hubei Zhengjiang Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., and the Institute of Water Ecology of CTGU. It brought together experts and researchers from China, Japan, the United States, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, and other countries to exchange knowledge on emerging issues in watershed ecological protection and management.

The scientific programme addressed watershed ecosystem degradation and restoration, emerging contaminants, biodiversity conservation, and smart water ecology.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Liew Wai Loan delivered an opening address, highlighting the importance of sustained international engagement and interdisciplinary research in addressing challenges related to water quality, watershed ecosystems, emerging contaminants, and ecological resilience.

Dr. Liew subsequently delivered an invited keynote presentation entitled “Tracing Microplastics in Sewage Treatment Plants: From Influent Entry to Environmental Release.” The presentation discussed the occurrence and movement of microplastics through sewage treatment systems, their removal and retention across treatment stages, and their potential pathways into receiving environments.

Representing UTM-MJIIT in another area of water-related research, Ir. Ts. Dr. Faizah Che Ros delivered a keynote presentation entitled “Sediment Deposition in a Cascade-Regulated Reservoir in Malaysia.” Her presentation contributed a Malaysian perspective to discussions surrounding sediment dynamics, reservoir systems, and water infrastructure management.

The participation also provided opportunities for both researchers to engage with international counterparts working in watershed ecology, water quality, dam and reservoir systems, and environmental management. These exchanges created a basis for further academic interaction and potential collaborative research between UTM-MJIIT, China Three Gorges University, and researchers associated with the Three Gorges ecological research network.

As an outcome of the engagement, Dr. Liew and Dr. Faizah were recognised as Research Fellows of the Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Ecological Conservation and Management in the Three Gorges Area. The affiliation provides a platform for continued research interaction and knowledge exchange in ecological conservation and management.

The engagement marks a further step towards research collaboration between UTM-MJIIT and the Three Gorges research community, particularly in areas related to dam ecology and water quality, as well as hydrology, hydraulics, flood modelling, dam-break modelling, and flood prediction. Through these complementary areas of expertise, future collaboration can contribute to a broader understanding of water and ecological challenges associated with river basins and dam-regulated environments.

This event was also featured in local news coverage through the following links:

China Social Sciences Network News:
https://www.cssn.cn/dfpd/gdjzz/hbjzz/202609/t20260907_6066258.shtml

Hubei Daily
https://news.hubeidaily.net/hbrbsharenew/index_share/5/5959868/5377975/0/0