LKC FES academic wins Best Conference Paper Award at IEEE ECICE 2025

UTAR academic Ir Dr Mun Hou Kit from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), Department of Mechatronics and BioMedical Engineering (DMBE) received the Best Conference Paper Award at the 2025 IEEE 7th Eurasia Conference on IoT, Communication and Engineering (ECICE 2025), held from 14 to 16 November 2025 at National Formosa University, Taiwan.

Organised by the IEEE Tainan Section Sensors Council (IEEE TSSC), in collaboration with the College of Engineering, National Formosa University, ECICE 2025 provided an international platform for researchers and industry professionals to exchange insights on Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced manufacturing, with this year’s theme focusing on smart manufacturing.

The award-winning paper, titled AI-Enabled Smart Dustbin for Automated Hazardous E-Waste Separation, presents an innovative system that integrates artificial intelligence, sensors, and IoT technologies to automatically identify and segregate hazardous electronic waste such as batteries and electronic components. The solution improves waste-sorting accuracy, enhances safety, and supports more sustainable e-waste management practices.

By addressing the growing challenges posed by electronic waste, the research contributes to reducing environmental pollution and minimising safety risks associated with improper disposal. The project also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting responsible and technology-driven waste management solutions.

Expressing his appreciation, Dr Mun said he was honoured to receive the recognition, noting that the award affirms the novelty, technical merit, and real-world relevance of the research. He also acknowledged the contributions of his students Soh Min Xuan, Lee Hui Ziang, and Ng Zhi Khai, as well as his colleague Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Hum Yan Chai. He added that UTAR’s strong research facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supportive academic environment played a key role in enabling the success of the project.

This achievement reflects UTAR’s continued commitment to applied, industry-relevant research and its role in advancing innovative solutions that address contemporary societal and environmental challenges.