IPSR R&D Colloquium 2024

Participants, keynote speakers, panellists and organising committee

The UTAR R&D Colloquium 2024, held on 23 November 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus and via Zoom, brought together experts, researchers, and students for a full day of inspiring discussions, knowledge sharing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Organised by the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR), the colloquium revolved around the theme Challenges and Innovations in a Converging World: Integrating STEM, Society, and Sustainability.

Prof Lim delivering her speech

In her opening address, IPSR Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi highlighted the vital role of interdisciplinary research in addressing the complexities of global challenges. She said, “Today’s colloquium brings together brilliant minds from academia, industry and government to share knowledge, insights, and ground-breaking ideas. Our keynote speakers and panellists will address issues that matter deeply to our society, from health science and well-being to advancements in artificial intelligence, sustainable business practices, and social progress.”

Clockwise from top right: Mr Mohd Akhir, Mr Ryzul, Dr Phoong and Dr Choong during the keynote sessions

A series of keynote sessions followed, featuring notable speakers moderated by IPSR Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dr Choong Yuen Onn. Mr Mohd Akhir Yeop Kamaruddin from Sirim Malaysia presented “The Technology Advancement through R&D Programmes.” Dr Phoong Seuk Wai from Universiti Malaya delivered an engaging presentation titled “Digitalisation in Tourism Development: A Review from a Social and Economic Sustainability Perspective.” Representing Tuan Haji Sh. Arifin bin Sh Mohd Noor, Mr Ryzul bin Osman Basah from Perbadanan Harta Intelek Malaysia (MyIPO) presented “The Role of IP in Fostering Innovation.” These sessions underscored the importance of collective efforts to bridge gaps across disciplines and create impactful solutions.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in parallel sessions that delved into specialised fields, including Health Science and Well-Being, Information and Communication Technology, Industry and Frontier Technology, Business, Finance and Management, and Social Advancement. These sessions served as a platform for researchers and practitioners to share breakthroughs, exchange ideas, and inspire future collaborations.

The colloquium also featured a Postgraduate Pitching Competition, a much-anticipated segment where 15 talented postgraduate students presented their research projects in concise, three-minute pitches. The competition celebrated creativity, innovation, and the ability to convey complex ideas effectively.

The winners of the competition were:

Student Name	Programme	Presentation Title
Yap Sin Yee	Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Science)	PTEN Polymorphisms and Depression: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitutions
Soo Yew Hang	Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering)	Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) as a Novel Method to Fabricate Hole Transport Material-Free Carbon Electrode-Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Low Weng Hong	Master of Engineering Science	Energy storage system for maximum economic benefits
Low Choon Wei	Doctor of Philosophy	Adapt, Grow, Succeed: Career Adaptability as a Competitive Edge
Keng Teck Ee	Doctor of Philosophy	Getting Scientists Engaged on Social Media - A Scientist Centric Technology Acceptance Model
Mahmudul Hasan	Master of Engineering Science	Energy storage system for peak demand reductions

The success of the colloquium was made possible through the support of sponsors, including Agilent Technologies, the Malaysian Association of Company Secretaries, and Eppendorf Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd. Participants left with new insights, connections and inspiration to further their research and collaborations.

The UTAR R&D Colloquium 2024 stands as a testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to advancing research excellence and fostering interdisciplinary innovation to tackle challenges in a converging world.

Ongoing parallel sessions

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