JOHOR BAHRU, May 7 – The International Conference on Workshop on Basic and Applied Sciences (ICOWOBAS) 2025 was successfully held at Le Grandeur Palm Resort, Johor Bahru, bringing together a diverse community of researchers, scientists, industry professionals, and academics from around the world. Under the theme “Innovative Science for a Smarter and Sustainable Future”, the two-day conference facilitated knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration in various fields of basic and applied sciences.
Organized by the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), ICOWOBAS 2025 was held in collaboration with two universities from Iraq – Tishk International University (TIU) and Salahaddin University – as well as Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) from Indonesia. This strong international partnership underscored the conference’s commitment to fostering global scientific cooperation and sustainable solutions.
The success of ICOWOBAS 2025 was made possible through the generous support of our esteemed sponsors: Inno Lab Engineering Sdn. Bhd. – Leaders in analytical technology and engineering solutions; Skinlab Biochem Resources (M) Sdn. Bhd. – Innovators in sustainable biotechnology and skincare solutions; RGS Corporation Sdn. Bhd. – Pioneers in advanced scientific instrumentation; Pure Aims Technologies – Experts in advanced technological solutions for research and development; Biogenes Technologies Sdn. Bhd. – Specialists in biosciences and diagnostic solutions; Felda Plantation Management Sdn. Bhd. – Advocates for sustainable agricultural innovation.
The conference began with an inspiring opening ceremony, where Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, Vice Chancellor of UTM, delivered a motivating officiating speech. This was followed by a welcoming speech by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, Dean of the Faculty of Science, UTM, and the symbolic ICOWOBAS 2025 Gimmick Presentation, showcasing the commitment to advancing innovative science.
The academic sessions commenced with keynote addresses by distinguished speakers, including Datuk Prof. Ulung Dr. Harith Ahmad from Universiti Malaya (UM) on “Slope Monitoring Using Optical Fiber Technology,” and Prof. Sultan T. Abu-Orabi from TIU on “Phytochemical Study of Plants in Jordan.” Other keynote speakers included Dr. Iqbal Shamsudheen from PETCO Trading Labuan and Prof. Dr. Ni’Matuzahroh from UNAIR, who presented groundbreaking research on model validation and sustainable biosurfactants.
The conference featured engaging plenary sessions, with insights from Asst. Dr. Idris Hadi Saleh from TIU on international education, Assoc. Prof. Rainer Helmut Dumke from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on quantum devices, and Prof. Dr. Fatchiyah from Universitas Brawijaya (UB) on the link between nutrition and health.
A key milestone of ICOWOBAS 2025 was the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Exchange Ceremony, where UTM solidified significant international and national partnerships. Through the MoA, UTM formalized collaborative agreements with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), aiming to promote joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and knowledge-sharing activities within Malaysia. On the international front, UTM strengthened its global network by signing MoUs with TIU and UNAIR. These partnerships are expected to foster collaborative research projects, facilitate student and faculty exchanges, and support joint academic programs, reflecting ICOWOBAS 2025’s commitment to promoting global scientific cooperation.
The conference also emphasized industry-academia collaboration, with industry insights from our sponsors — Inno Lab Engineering, Skinlab Biochem Resources and RGS Corporation. These sessions showcased how scientific research can be translated into real-world applications.
With over 150 presentations in parallel sessions, poster presentations, and oral sessions, ICOWOBAS 2025 provided a vibrant platform for researchers to share findings. Outstanding contributions were recognized with the Best Poster Awards and Best Presenter Awards, celebrating excellence in scientific communication.
ICOWOBAS 2025 reaffirmed its mission of fostering global scientific cooperation, promoting sustainable solutions, and inspiring innovation. For more information, visit the official website: ICOWOBAS 2025 Website. Stay updated with the latest news on Facebook: ICOWOBAS 2025 Facebook Page.
By: Dr. Nurhafizah Hasim and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Safwan Abd Aziz (Faculty of Science, UTM)