IEEE SASSP 2025 at UTAR explores the future of AI and signal processing

Empowering artificial intelligence (AI), voice recognition, video processing, and networks, signal processing serves as a hidden enabler of modern development. Embedded in computers, cell phones, and smart-connected devices, signal processing has become an indispensable yet often overlooked technology in daily life. Like all technologies, it still holds room for advancement, and experts worldwide continue to exchange knowledge to refine it, driving innovations that benefit human civilisation at large.

A group photograph at the 13th IEEE SASSP, held at UTAR Kampar Campus

Reflecting this pursuit, the IEEE Symposium on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (SASSP) serves as a platform for researchers and practitioners to share insights and breakthroughs. On 24 July 2025, the 13th IEEE SASSP was organised at UTAR Kampar Campus through a joint collaboration between the IEEE Signal Processing Society (SPS) Malaysia Chapter and the UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT).

This year’s symposium brought together a diverse audience of academicians, researchers, students, and professionals, including delegates from industry organisations such as Leadway Consultancy (M) Sdn Bhd, Innov8tif, and Intel Technology Malaysia. Among the participants were 12 registered IEEE members, further highlighting the event’s relevance to the professional community.

Prof Lim (left) and Dr Mohd Norzali welcoming the participants with their opening remarks

The IEEE SASSP 2025 featured two keynote speeches and 23 talks by researchers and experts from universities across Malaysia, providing a dynamic and cordial environment for professional networking and high-level knowledge sharing.

The keynote sessions showcased expertise from both academia and industry, striking a strategic balance between research and real-world application, and offering attendees a holistic perspective on acoustics, speech, and signal processing.

Titled Artificial Intelligence in Smart and Safe Driving, the first keynote speech was delivered by UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Head of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon. His talk delivered an academic perspective on the critical role of AI and signal processing in intelligent transportation. Covering areas such as vehicular communications and cognitive radio-enabled systems, he highlighted how these technologies converge to create safer and smarter driving environments, and presented ongoing research pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.

Mr Cheong sharing insights into the development of Innov8tif

Meanwhile, the second keynote speech was delivered by Mr Cheong Yuen Kiat, Innov8tif Head of Product Management (AI & eKYC). Titled AI-Powered Identity Verification in EMAS eKYC: Bridging Biometrics, Signal Processing, and Real-World Security, Mr Cheong provided a deep dive into the commercial application of AI in identity verification. He detailed Innov8tif’s eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) solution, explaining the signal processing techniques behind facial recognition, liveness detection, and document authenticity. Beyond that, he also shared valuable insights into balancing security, compliance, and user experience in a commercial product.

Meanwhile, the symposium’s parallel sessions covered a wide range of cutting-edge domains, including AI and machine learning, biomedical signal processing, IoT (Internet of Things) and remote sensing, as well as security and forensics.

The parallel talk sessions by local researchers sparked moments of deep reflection, as participants listened attentively to the exchange of ideas and emerging insights

The participating universities included Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and UTAR.

Also present at the IEEE SASSP 2025 were IEEE SPS Malaysia Chapter Vice Chair Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Mohd Norzali bin Haji Mohd, Immediate Past Chair Ir Prof Dr Hezerul bin Abdul Karim, UTAR Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, UTAR FEGT Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Lo Po Kim, IEEE SASSP 2025 Organising Chairperson Prof Ts Dr Humaira Nisar, organising committee members, IEEE members, local researchers and students.

The IEEE SASSP 2025 effectively bridged the gap between academic research and industry application. By bringing together researchers from leading universities and professionals from key industries, the event not only facilitated premier knowledge dissemination, but also strengthened professional networks, reinforcing the vital role of the IEEE SPS Malaysia Chapter and academic partners such as UTAR in advancing the field.