Curtin Malaysia hosts prestigious IAGR 2024 Conference, driving global geoscience collaboration

Miri, Sarawak – 28 November 2024 – The International Association for Gondwana Research (IAGR) 2024 Convention and 21st International Conference on Gondwana to Asia, held in Kuching from 18 – 22 November as the first IAGR geosciences conference of its kind to be held in Sarawak, solidified its status as a premier global platform for advancing geoscience innovation and fostering global collaboration.

Hosted by Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), the event brought together over 150 leading scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to address pressing global challenges in geoscience.

With the theme ‘Global Synergy for Geoscience Innovation: Uniting Continents, Advancing Knowledge’, the conference underscored the vital role of geoscience in tackling climate change, resource management, and natural hazard mitigation.

Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, in his address read by Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability), emphasised the alignment of Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 with the conference’s objectives.

“As part of our commitment to sustainability and innovation, Sarawak recognises geoscience as a critical enabler of our green economy, mineral resources, renewable energy initiatives, and protection of natural heritage. The convergence of science, policy, and sustainable development is crucial to building a progressive and resilient future for Sarawak and the world,” he stated.

Tengah encouraged the conference delegates to explore groundbreaking ideas and forge partnerships to advance geoscience, emphasising the importance of collaborative innovation in addressing the unique challenges of geological research.

Meanwhile, Professor Simon Leunig, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, reaffirmed Curtin Malaysia’s dedication to global collaboration and sustainability.

“Curtin Malaysia’s strategic goals align seamlessly with Sarawak’s vision for 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By hosting this conference, we aim to drive research that supports renewable energy, natural resource management, and disaster resilience for Sarawak and the broader ASEAN region,” said Professor Leunig in his address, delivered by Professor Vincent Lee, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin Malaysia.

He added that Curtin Malaysia’s role as the conference host reflects its leadership in advancing geoscientific research and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. The event also highlighted the university’s commitment to Sarawak’s development as a sustainable and innovative region.

Also present to launch the conference were Professor Yun-Peng Dong, President of IAGR; Professor M. Santosh, Secretary-General of IAGR; John Curtin Distinguished Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan, Conference Chair and Dean of Research and Development and Director of the Curtin Malaysia Research Institute (CMRI) at Curtin Malaysia;  Amelia Roziman, Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak; and Professor Pedro Francisco Rodriguez Espinosa, Director of Interdisciplinary Research at Mexico’s National Polytechnic Institute.

Keynote speeches and research presentations during the conference explored diverse topics, from renewable energy development to disaster risk management, reflecting its emphasis on real-world applications of geoscience research.

The event served as a catalyst for new collaborations, with delegates expressing optimism about the potential for transformative partnerships. Professor Nagarajan, in his closing remarks, highlighted the significance of uniting continents through shared knowledge and innovation.

“This IAGR 2024 Convention is more than a conference; it is a movement towards global synergy in geoscience. Together, we can push the boundaries of innovation to create a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

From left) Prof. Nagarajan, Prof. Lee, Amelia Roziman, Dr. Hazland, Prof. Santosh, Prof. Yun-Peng, and Prof. Espinosa showcasing the IAGR 2024 abstract volume

A delegate presenting cutting-edge research during the IAGR 2024 sessions

Professor Stjin Glorie from University of Adelaide delivering a keynote speech