23/10/2026
iIRID 2026 CONNECTS ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY AT UTeM
The Faculty of Industrial and Manufacturing Technology and Engineering (FTKIP), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), successfully hosted the 6th International Innovative Research and Industrial Dialogue (iIRID 2026) on 14–15 October 2026.
Jointly organised by FTKIP, the RICE UTeM–Melaka Collaboration Management Centre and the Centre of Smart Systems and Innovative Design (CoSSID), the programme brought together industry leaders, academics, researchers and students for two days of knowledge sharing, industrial dialogue and networking.
Led by its Chairman, Prof. Ts. Dr. Effendi Mohamad, iIRID 2026 provided a platform to discuss industrial challenges, share research findings and explore opportunities for university–industry collaboration.
📍 DAY 1: OPENING CEREMONY, KEYNOTE AND INDUSTRIAL FORUMS
Held at Dewan Kuliah FTKIP, UTeM, the opening ceremony was officiated by YBrs. Puan Hajah Rusnah binti Aluai, a member of the UTeM Board of Directors.
The programme featured a keynote address by Mr. Florian Herrmann, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Infineon Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd., Melaka, entitled:
“Advancing Malaysia’s Higher Education Transformation: Fostering AI-Driven University–Industry Collaboration for Smart Manufacturing Excellence.”
The keynote highlighted the importance of developing future-ready talent, strengthening applied research partnerships and advancing AI adoption through closer collaboration between universities and industry.
Three industrial forums continued the dialogue, bringing together experienced leaders from industry, government agencies and academia.
🔹 INDUSTRIAL FORUM 1
“From Campus to Smart Factory: Building Industry-Ready Talent for Malaysia’s AI-Driven Manufacturing Future”
Moderator:
Prof. Ts. Dr. Effendi Mohamad, UTeM
Panellists:
• Mr. Naoto Uryu — Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
• Mr. Nor Azham Baharin — Chief Operating Officer, CTRM Aero Composites Sdn. Bhd.
• Mr. Ts. Mohd Hafizam Mustaffa — Chief Executive Officer, MCORP Technology Sdn. Bhd.
• Mr. Derrick Tanggapan — Director, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Melaka Office.
The session focused on graduate readiness, industrial expectations and the role of universities in preparing talent for an increasingly digital manufacturing environment.
🔹 INDUSTRIAL FORUM 2
“From Laboratory to Global Market: Transforming University Research into Industrial and Export Impact”
Moderator:
Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Sivarao A/L Subramonian, UTeM
Panellists:
• Ts. Dr. Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah — Chief Executive Officer, National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (NAICO Malaysia).
• Mr. Charles Lim — Former Managing Director (Asia), Fluidra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
• Mr. Tay Kheng Chiong — Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dominant Opto Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
• Mr. Mansor Shah bin Wahid — Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Exporters Development), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
The forum explored research translation, commercialisation and opportunities to bring university innovations into industry and wider markets.
🔹 INDUSTRIAL FORUM 3
“People, Technology and Partnership: Building an Inclusive Smart Manufacturing Ecosystem”
Moderator:
Prof. Dr. Zamberi Jamaludin, UTeM
Panellists:
• Dr. Se Sian Meng — General Manager, San Miguel Yamamura Plastic Films Sdn. Bhd.
• Mr. Issac Leow — Operations Director, LED Vision Sdn. Bhd.
• Dato’ Haji Zaihal Hazri bin Haji Abdul Halim — Managing Director, Al-Meswak Mu’min Sdn. Bhd.
• Dr. Siti Rozakiyah Assurin Hassan — Senior Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah (PTSB).
The session addressed workforce development, inclusive participation and the partnerships needed to support technological transformation.
Together, the three forums connected perspectives on talent development, research application and the people behind smart manufacturing. Networking sessions also provided opportunities for participants to meet potential partners and continue the discussions.
The first day concluded with the iIRID 2026 Forum Resolutions session, bringing together the key directions from the industrial dialogues.
💻 DAY 2: INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
On 15 October 2026, the programme continued with 106 online research presentations across 10 parallel rooms, beginning at 8.30 am Malaysian time.
Contributors from Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan and other countries shared research covering advanced materials, smart systems, automation, manufacturing technologies, sustainable design, ergonomics, quality systems, technopreneurship and industrial management.
The sessions enabled researchers to exchange findings, receive feedback and identify potential collaborations. They also offered postgraduate and undergraduate students’ valuable exposure to research communication and academic discussion.
📚 EXPLORE THE iIRID 2026 e-PROCEEDINGS
Research contributions were published by Penerbit UTeM Press in two iIRID 2026 e-Proceedings:
📘 AI-Driven Smart Manufacturing: Advances in Materials Science, Automation, and Production Technologies
https://iirid.utem.edu.my/wp-content/uploads/eiIRID-2026_Al-Driven-Smart-Manufacturing_-Advances-in-Materials-Science-Automation-and-Production-Technologies.pdf
📗 Fostering Industry–Academia Innovation: Sustainable Design, Technopreneurship and Quality Systems
https://iirid.utem.edu.my/wp-content/uploads/eiIRID-2026_Fostering-Industry-Academia-Innovation_Sustainable-Design-Technopreneurship-and-Quality-Systems_compressed.pdf
Researchers, students and industry practitioners are welcome to explore and share these publications to support further learning and collaboration.
🤝 APPRECIATION
FTKIP extends its sincere appreciation to UTeM’s top management, the officiating guest, keynote speaker, moderators, panellists, collaborating institutions, sponsors and industry partners for their support and contributions.
Special thanks also go to all presenters, reviewers, session chairs, participants, the organising committee, supporting departments and student helpers whose commitment made the programme possible.
Through iIRID 2026, FTKIP continues its commitment to strengthening university–industry engagement, advancing applied research and developing talent who can contribute to industry and society.
May the connections established during the programme grow into meaningful collaborations and practical outcomes.