Curtin Malaysia elevates global research profile through international water sustainability conference

Miri, Sarawak – 30 July 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has strengthened its position as a global leader in environmental research by successfully co-organising the International Conference on Coastal and Tropical Water Sustainability (ICOTWAS) 2026, bringing together researchers and experts from across Asia, Africa and Europe to tackle some of the world’s most pressing water challenges.

Held virtually on 17 July under the theme ‘Sustainable Water Solutions for Resilient Coasts and Tropics,’ the conference was co-organised by Curtin Malaysia and Tecno Scientifica Publishing. The event provided an international platform for academics, engineers, scientists and environmental professionals to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration and explore innovative solutions for sustainable water management.

The conference highlighted Curtin Malaysia’s growing research leadership, with three academics and a postgraduate student from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science playing key roles in its organisation. Ts. Dr. Paran Gani served as Conference Chair, Professor Tony Hadibarata as Conference Co-Chair, while Dr. Muhammad Noor Hazwan Jusoh was a Technical Committee member and session moderator. Postgraduate student Audrey Primus also contributed to the event’s success as master of ceremonies, reflecting the university’s commitment to nurturing future academic leaders.

ICOTWAS 2026 featured five internationally recognised keynote speakers who shared the latest research and innovations in water sustainability. Professor Faisal Anwar from Curtin University, Australia, presented on urban stormwater treatment and management, while Dr. Erni Johan of Ehime University, Japan, discussed the use of alkaline-treated aluminium foil for bacterial adsorption in water treatment.

Professor Radin Maya Saphira Radin Mohamed from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia explored sustainable advanced oxidation strategies for emerging contaminants, and Ts. Dr. Siti Khadijah Hubadillah from Universiti Utara Malaysia highlighted advances in ceramic hollow-fibre membranes for improving coastal water quality. Completing the keynote programme, Dr. Thirumurthy Kannan of Sandip University, India, shared sustainable waste-to-energy approaches for hydrogen production and water remediation.

The conference attracted strong international participation, with 28 research abstracts accepted from institutions in Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Ethiopia and the Czech Republic. Research presentations addressed a wide spectrum of critical issues, including wastewater treatment, groundwater management, coral reef conservation, microplastics, urban flooding, artificial intelligence applications and resource recovery.

Following the keynote sessions, the participants took part in parallel technical sessions that encouraged scholarly discussion, constructive peer feedback and opportunities for future research collaboration. The conference concluded with session reports, Best Presentation Awards and a virtual group photograph.

Reflecting on the conference’s success, Conference Chair Ts. Dr. Paran said international collaboration is essential to addressing increasingly complex environmental challenges.

“Coastal and tropical regions face interconnected challenges involving water pollution, climate change, ecosystem degradation and increasing pressure on natural resources. Addressing these challenges requires researchers, industries, governments and communities to work together across disciplinary, institutional and national boundaries,” he remarked.

He added that Curtin Malaysia’s collaboration with Tecno Scientifica Publishing would help maximise the impact of the research presented during the conference.

“Academic conferences are not only platforms for sharing knowledge but also catalysts for new partnerships and innovation. By working with leading publishers, we can ensure that quality research reaches wider scholarly and professional audiences while creating opportunities for joint publications, collaborative projects and future technological advancements.”

Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, ICOTWAS 2026 also reinforced Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Through ICOTWAS 2026, Curtin Malaysia continues to expand its international research network, showcase its expertise in environmental sustainability and strengthen its reputation as a hub for impactful research addressing global challenges.

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Conference Chair Ts Dr Paran Gani delivers his opening address during the virtual opening ceremony of ICOTWAS 2026.

Conference organisers, keynote speakers and international delegates gather for a virtual group photograph.