USM ICE 2026 BRINGS TOGETHER GLOBAL ENGINEERING COMMUNITY, ADVANCES AI-DRIVEN INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
PENANG, 28 October 2026 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is bringing together the international engineering community through the USM International Conference on Engineering 2026 (USM ICE 2026), held over two days from 28 to 29 October.
Themed “Advances AI-Driven and Sustainability-Led Global Impact”, the conference serves as a platform for academics, researchers and industry experts to share research findings, explore collaboration opportunities and discuss engineering innovations to address global challenges.
USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, said the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced computing and new materials presents significant opportunities for research and innovation, while requiring responsible, ethical and sustainable approaches.
He said USM is committed to advancing AI and strengthening strategic partnerships with industry to ensure that research addresses the actual needs of industry and society.
He also emphasised the importance of international collaboration in enhancing research capabilities and expanding professional networks, particularly among young researchers.
In this regard, USM ICE 2026 is expected to strengthen academia-industry partnerships, expand international collaboration and drive high-impact research.
He added that USM’s commitment to academic excellence and impactful research is reflected in its ranking of 128th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it first among universities in Malaysia.
“USM’s Engineering and Technology disciplines are also ranked among the top 200 universities globally,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director of the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, said the conference holds special significance as it coincides with the campus’s 25th anniversary.
“The conference reflects the campus’s contributions over the years, particularly in education, engineering, research, innovation and human capital development,” she said.
Six specialised conferences are being held under the USM ICE 2026 umbrella: International Conference of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering 2026 (AeroMech’26), AWAM International Conference in Civil Engineering (AICCE26), 2nd International Conference on Recent Advances in Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing (ICRAIEM 2026), 9th International Conference on Recent Advances in Materials, Minerals and Environment 2026 (RAMM 2026), 9th International Conference on Environment 2026 (ICENV 2026) and International Semiconductor Innovation Symposium (ISIS 2026).
The multidisciplinary conferences provide opportunities for researchers to share the latest findings, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and explore innovative solutions with potential benefits for industry and society.
A special industry session, the Talent Development Programme, is also being held to highlight upskilling and reskilling opportunities offered to industry professionals, helping them adapt to technological advancements and evolving industry needs.
Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman