The Mathematics in Industry Study Group serves as a collaborative problem-solving platform, uniting applied mathematicians to address real-world challenges across industries. Originating at Oxford University in the 1960s, this format has been instrumental in fostering practical solutions globally. At Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), we take pride in being pioneers, having introduced this study group to Malaysia since 2011. Our commitment continues, evident in the recent organization of the 4th Malaysia Mathematics in Industry Study Group (MMISG2023), chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Zaitul Marlizawati Zainuddin.
MMISG2023 was held at Menara Razak, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, from November 20th to 22nd, organized by UTM Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (UTM-CIAM). It was made possible through the joint efforts of UTM Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science; the Institute of Mathematics for Industry at Kyushu University, Japan; and MYHIMS Solutions LLP. The opening ceremony was officiated by Professor Dr. Rosli Md Illias, UTM Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation), represented by Professor Ts. Dr. Kamalrulnizam Abu Bakar, Chair for Smart Digital Community Research Alliance.
The primary objective of Malaysia Mathematics in Industry Study Group (MMISG) is to bridge the gap between academia and industry in Malaysia. This event serves as a convergence of academic rigor and industrial pragmatism, where the world of mathematical theory meets the complex, multifaceted issues faced by local industries. It is a platform for researchers to apply their expertise to solve industrial-relevant problems, fostering a collaborative spirit between the two domains.
At MMISG2023, five industries—Ranhill SAJ Sdn. Bhd., Total Logistic Services (M) Sdn. Bhd., MYHIMS Solution LLP, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), and Ifactors Sdn. Bhd.—presented their industrial problems. These ranged from model reconstruction at archaeological sites to cutting-edge developments in the logistics industry and from forecasting the volatility of agricultural commodity prices to optimizing operations processes.
Industry representatives presenting their industrial problems to the participants of MMISG2023.
To tackle the array of industrial issues, five cohesive sub-groups were formed, each guided by selected domain advisors. Within each group, members, termed as contributors—comprising mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists—played crucial roles in identifying key scientific issues and mathematical challenges. They actively engaged in formulating accessible ideas, leveraging mathematical modeling, analysis, and computation to provide valuable insights into the problems at hand. More than 50 contributors from ten institutions, both local and international, including UTM, Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Kyushu University, Japan, and Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia participated. Online discussions were also conducted with UTM-CIAM international partners.
Intense discussion among industrial representatives, domain advisors and contributors of respective industrial problems.
This collaborative effort harnessed expertise from various institutions, enriching the event with a wide spectrum of mathematical approaches, all unified in the common goal of effective problem-solving. This initiative seamlessly aligns with UTM’s mission to actively engage in both local and global networks, fostering partnerships with diverse organizations and industries to drive innovation through innovative solutions.
In conclusion, MMISG2023 has once again proven to be a pivotal event in fostering collaboration between academia and industry. We received positive feedback from participants—industrial representatives and contributors. This edition of MMISG further solidifies the event’s reputation as a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving, showcasing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing real-world challenges. As the MMISG legacy continues, it is poised to make lasting contributions to the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and industry
Prepared By: Zaiton Mat Isa, Norhaiza Ahmad, Zaitul Marlizawati Zainuddin, Arifah Bahar