Curtin Malaysia hosts concurrent conferences promoting innovation in science, engineering and technology

Miri – 29 November 2018 – Malaysia and many developing countries have yet to tap the full potential of technological change which is recognised as a driving force for economic growth.

Pro vice-chancellor, president and chief executive of Curtin Malaysia, Professor Jim Mienczakowski, said countries across the world have long recognised the importance of digital transformation and the advancement science, technology and innovation, and digital transformation and Industry 4.0 are now key foci of both the state and national governments to drive future development.

“However, while the impact of this on businesses has been profound, many are struggling to realise the full potential of digitisation.

“According to the McKinsey Global Institute’s Industry Digitisation Index, Europe is currently operating at 12 per cent of its digital potential, while the USA is operating at 18 per cent,” said Professor Mienczakowski when officiating at the concurrently-held 11th Curtin University Technology, Science and Engineering (CUTSE) International Conference 2018 and One Curtin International Postgraduate Conference (OCPC) 2018 at its campus on Tuesday.

Professor Mienczakowski added that the percentages clearly demonstrated that, while business processes are undergoing great change and making much progress in the adoption of digitisation, even advanced economies are struggling to exploit the full potential of digitisation.

He also said that, with the advancement of science, technology and innovation (STI), there is an obvious need to empower today’s industries with new tools to respond to global challenges.

“Many nations have long recognised that their prosperity and security depend on how they address the challenges. However, although there is consensus that technological change is a driver of economic growth, many developing countries have yet to benefit from the promises of STI,” he remarked.

He said that it was in light of these issues, particularly those affecting this region, that Curtin Malaysia organised the CUTSE International Conference and OCPC, and hoped there would be much discussion and beneficial outcomes from the two-day conferences.

“Scientists and engineers in academia or industry have a significant role to play in promoting national and international interests by advancing strategies for employing science, technology and innovation to address global challenges and improve development outcomes,” he said.

Both conferences carried similar themes, ‘Digital Transformation and Innovations in the Digital Era’ being the theme for the CUTSE International Conference, while the theme for the OCPC was ‘Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technologies’. Both provided excellent platforms for the participants comprising researchers, engineers, scientists, academicians, industrial experts and university students to deliberate on theories, practices and research findings related to the latest technological innovations.

The conferences attracted over 70 participants from Australia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia and over 90 conference papers were presented.

Professor Mienczakowski (front row, centre) in a photocall with speakers and participants.

Professor Mienczakowski delivering his opening remarks.