USM Chemical Engineering Leads Global Dialogue on Smart Engineering and a Low-Carbon Future during ICENV2026
28–29 October 2026 – The School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) successfully organised the 9th International Conference on Environment 2026 (ICENV2026) at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang, bringing together an international community of academicians, researchers, industry practitioners, scientists, and students to exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions for environmental sustainability.
Held under the theme “Advancing Smart and Sustainable Engineering Technologies toward a Low-Carbon Future”, ICENV2026 served as an important platform for discussing emerging engineering technologies, sharing research findings, and strengthening international research networks. The two-day conference was organised as part of the larger USM International Conference on Engineering 2026 (USM ICE 2026), which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus.
A Global Platform for Engineering Innovation and Sustainability
ICENV2026 formed part of a major international engineering gathering that brought together researchers and professionals from different disciplines and countries. The conference welcomed participants from Malaysia and international delegates, including representatives from China and Qatar, demonstrating its growing international reach.
The conference also reflected USM's commitment to advancing engineering research and innovation through responsible and sustainable approaches. During the opening ceremony of USM ICE 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, FASc, emphasised that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced computing, and new materials must be accompanied by responsible, ethical, and sustainable practices.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening industry partnerships and international collaboration to ensure that research and innovation address the needs of industry and society. These collaborations are particularly important in expanding professional networks and providing opportunities for young researchers to engage with the international research community.
The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted USM's achievement of 128th position in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing the university first among Malaysian universities, while its Engineering and Technology disciplines were ranked among the world's top 200.
Distinguished International Speakers Share Research Expertise
One of the major highlights of ICENV2026 was its impressive line-up of plenary speakers from leading universities and industry organisations, who shared their latest research findings and perspectives on emerging technologies. The invited speakers included:
· Professor Dr. Yoshinori Takashima from Osaka University, Japan, who presented on dynamic polymer networks.
· Professor Dr. Chi-Wei Lan from Yuan Ze University, Taiwan, who shared insights into green solvents for microalgal lipid extraction.
· Professor Dr. Guowu Zhan from Huaqiao University, China, who discussed bifunctional catalysts for carbon dioxide (CO₂) thermal hydrogenation.
· Ir. Ts. Dr. Farahdila Kadirkhan from PETRONAS, Malaysia, who highlighted Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies for low-carbon solutions.
The presentations offered participants valuable exposure to developments in sustainable materials, biotechnology, green chemical processes, carbon management, and clean energy technologies. The diversity of expertise also encouraged interdisciplinary discussions on how engineering research can contribute to addressing environmental and industrial challenges.
Exploring Research Frontiers through Technical Sessions
Throughout the two-day conference, a total of 31 participants from both local and international engaged in parallel technical sessions covering a broad range of research areas relevant to environmental engineering and sustainable development. The sessions focused on five major themes:
1. Biotechnology and Environmental Solutions
2. Clean Energy and Resource Use
3. Sustainable Process Engineering
4. Water and Air Quality Management
5. Waste Management and Valorisation
These sessions provided researchers and industry practitioners with opportunities to present their research findings, exchange technical knowledge, and discuss potential applications of emerging technologies. The discussions also encouraged collaboration across different research disciplines, particularly in developing practical solutions for environmental protection, resource efficiency, and the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Strengthening Industry–Academia Partnerships
The successful organisation of ICENV2026 was supported by the continued commitment of VAT Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., which returned as the Platinum Sponsor for the second time.
The company's continued support reflects the importance of strong partnerships between universities and industry in advancing research, innovation, and technological development. Such collaboration provides an avenue for connecting academic research with practical industrial requirements while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and future research partnerships.
The sponsorship also reinforced the importance of industry participation in international academic conferences, particularly in supporting research initiatives that address real-world environmental and engineering challenges.
Advancing Sustainable Engineering through International Collaboration
ICENV2026 concluded on a positive note, having successfully brought together an international community of researchers, academics, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The conference reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary research and international partnerships in translating scientific knowledge into practical and commercially relevant innovations.
The event also contributed to the broader objectives of USM ICE 2026, which brought together six specialised international conferences to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus and showcase the university's contributions to engineering education, research, innovation, and human capital development.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Sustainable Engineering Leaders
The successful organisation of ICENV2026 reflects the School of Chemical Engineering's continued commitment to promoting research excellence, international engagement, and sustainable engineering innovation. By providing a platform for researchers and industry practitioners to share their expertise, the conference has helped strengthen academic networks and encourage the development of solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Moving forward, the School looks forward to building on the connections established through ICENV2026 by encouraging more collaborative research, international partnerships, and industry-driven innovations. Together, let us transform research ideas into meaningful technologies, empower the next generation of engineering leaders, and accelerate the journey towards a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable low-carbon future.
For More ICENV Picture https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QSM8CMGrpBYHzsG2x4JdTUmGoRHhMrIc?usp=sharing
Text: NAR
Edited: MHU
Photos: MFAB & AAO