UTAR was honoured to be the co-organiser and active strategic supporting partner of the China-ASEAN Printing and Packaging Technology Innovation and Development Forum 2025 (CAPPTIDF2025), held on 16 May 2025 at the China International Exhibition Center (New China International Exhibition Center, NCIEC, Shunyi Hall) in Beijing, China. The event took place as part of the 11th Beijing International Printing Technology Exhibition, which ran from 15 to 19 May 2025.
Themed Innovation-Driven, AI-enabled and Committed to Win-Win Cooperation, the forum attracted over 200 delegates, including industry leaders, researchers, and academics from China and ASEAN economies.
The event was physically held and organised principally by the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World (AETDEW) and the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication. UTAR joined a prestigious list of 26 co-organisers and strategic partners, including UNESCO, the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology, and the Selangor & Federal Territory Chinese Printing Presses’ Association.
UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat was invited as the official representative of the university and the co-organiser. Meanwhile, Dr Mathialagan Muniyadi from the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology attended as an honorary guest and speaker.
Prof Dato’ Ewe addressing fellow researchers and participants at the opening ceremony of CAPPTIDF2025
Dr Mathialagan presenting his report on plastic waste pollution at the CAPPTIDF2025
Dr Mathialagan presented a report titled Future of Flexible Packaging: Compostable Solutions, addressing one of the pressing global challenges—plastic waste pollution. His presentation covered:
Following the presentation, a lively Q&A session engaged industry experts and researchers, discussing challenges and future research collaboration opportunities. The report was very well received, sparking interest and deeper conversations among attendees about sustainable packaging innovations.
Participation in CAPPTIDF2025 provided valuable networking opportunities. Dr Mathialagan was able to establish contacts with several Chinese research institutions and Malaysian industry representatives. Notably, he also coordinated a meeting with a researcher from the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, who specialises in packaging material development. Discussions are also underway with Mr Chua Ngeun Lok, Honorary Advisor of the Selangor & Federal Territory Chinese Printing Presses' Association and owner of Macro Plastic Sdn Bhd, a plastic recycling company.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr Mathialagan said, “Being invited as an honorary guest to the forum was both a privilege and a profound responsibility. Sharing insights on compostable plastics before a distinguished audience reaffirmed my belief that innovation, when rooted in environmental consciousness, can lead to truly transformative impact. This platform not only fostered meaningful dialogue but also paved the way for exciting partnerships that will advance sustainable packaging technologies.”
UTAR remains committed to supporting sustainable development and technological innovation through such international collaborations, enhancing its role as a key player in advancing green technology and industry-academic partnerships in the region.
Dr Mathialagan with other researchers at the CAPPTIDF2025
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