On 29th August 2024, the Tribology and Precision Machining (TriPreM) i-Kohza at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) proudly hosted the 6th Malaysia-Japan Tribology Symposium, bringing together over 30 participants from leading institutions in Malaysia and Japan. The symposium, themed “Academia-Industry Partnership: A Pathway to Sustainable Tribology,” provided a dynamic forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration between the two nations.
The event began with an inspiring opening address by Associate Professor Dr. Shahrum Shah Abdullah, Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation, Commercialization & Linkages at the Malaysia-Japan Institute of Technology (MJIIT). His remarks set the stage for a day of insightful discussions and technical exchanges. Two esteemed invited speakers, Professor Dr. Maryam Jameelah Ghazali from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Professor Dr. Yoshinori Sawae from Kyushu University (Kyudai), Japan, captivated the audience with their expertise in tribology, a critical field for improving industrial efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
First initiated in 2012, the Malaysia-Japan Tribology Symposium, formerly known as the Malaysia-Japan Tribology Meeting, has been a cornerstone of collaboration between the Malaysian Tribology Society (MYTRIBOS) and the Japanese Society of Tribologists (JAST). After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the symposium made a strong return this year, marking its 6th edition with sponsorship from Taat Bestari Sdn. Bhd. and Thermal Spray & Manufacturing Technology Sdn. Bhd.
Chaired by Dr. Shahira Liza Kamis, the event featured diverse presentation topics, from tribology fundamentals to advanced research in contact mechanics, polymer coatings, lubrication, and simulations. The symposium emphasized the practical applications of tribology in various industries, aligning with the global push for sustainable solutions.
A highlight of the day was the award ceremony recognizing outstanding student contributions. Five students were honored for their exceptional research and poster presentations, selected by a panel of expert judges.
Following the symposium, on 30th August, participants from Japan and members of the TriPreM team had the unique opportunity to visit the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM) and the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) Research Station in Sungai Buloh. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Akademi Hevea Malaysia (AHM) and taken on an informative tour of the International Rubber Products Exhibition Centre, a rubber processing factory, and a working rubber plantation. Participants were even treated to a live demonstration of rubber tapping, offering a hands-on experience that deepened their understanding of Malaysia’s rich rubber industry heritage.
This visit not only strengthened ties between Malaysia and Japan but also laid the groundwork for future collaborative research projects. With fresh insights and new connections, the participants are eager to explore joint ventures that push the boundaries of tribology research.
The 6th Malaysia-Japan Tribology Symposium is a testament to the power of international collaboration, bridging academia and industry to drive sustainable innovations that will shape the future of tribology.
