UTAR supports 13th ASEAN–Korea Engineering Forum on AI and Climate Agenda

UTAR supported the successful organisation of the 13th ASEAN–Korea Engineering Forum and Roundtable Meeting 2025, which was held on 9 December 2025 at ZEZZ Residence, Kuala Lumpur, with both physical and virtual participation. The annual forum was jointly organised by the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) and the National Academy of Engineering Korea (NAEK).

Carrying the theme “Bridging AI Innovation and Renewable Energy: ASEAN–Korea Collaboration for a Digital-Driven Climate Agenda”, the forum provided a high-level platform for engineers, technologists, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers from ASEAN and Korea to exchange insights on leveraging artificial intelligence to advance renewable energy solutions and climate action.

AAET and UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat delivered the welcome address, followed by the opening address by NAEK President Prof Eui Joon Yoon. The programme featured three thematic sessions focusing on AI-driven innovations for renewable energy, digital economy tools for climate action, and technical collaborative pathways towards net-zero goals. Among the speakers was Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) academic Assoc Prof Dr Tan Kok Wen who shared insights on the integration of machine learning approaches in climate modelling.

The preparatory and coordination efforts for the forum were led by AAET Executive Secretary and Faculty of Accountancy and Management academic Dr Fok Kuk Fai together with NAEK Senior Researcher Ms Chanmi Lee.

AAET also recorded its appreciation to AAET Senior Fellow and Founder and Executive Chairman of Silverlake Group Mr Goh Peng Ooi for generously hosting the event at his residence. Further appreciation was extended to AAET Fellows and Associate Fellows from Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), FEGT, and Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT). Acknowledgement was also given to Dr Shawn Keng Teck Ee, an AAET Associate Fellow and UTAR PhD graduate, who served as the Event Management and Executive Coordinating Committee Chair.

Following the forum, on 10 December 2025, AAET Secretary General Datuk Ir Yong Ah Huat and Dr Fok accompanied the NAEK delegation on a visit to the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park in Selangor, as well as a courtesy call to the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT). The visit included discussions on potential technological collaboration between Malaysia and Korea, further strengthening bilateral cooperation in high-technology and sustainable development.