CUTSE International Conference 2008 a showcase of ‘Excellence through Innovation’

Miri – 27 November 2008 – Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (CSM)’s first CUTSE International Conference was launched by Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam, who is also chairman of the Curtin Sarawak Council, on 25 November 2008.

More than 100 academics and researchers from across the globe attended the 4-day conference themed ‘Excellence Through Innovation’ and hosted by the university’s School of Engineering and Science in collaboration with the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Miri Branch. They came from such countries as Australia, Egypt, India, Iran, Myanmar and Singapore, as well as Malaysia.

The conference provided a platform for the dissemination of information on the latest innovations, theories and practices in engineering and the sciences, as well as constructive dialog on theoretical concepts, practical ideas and state-of-the-art technology.

CSM’s vice pro-chancellor Professor Dr John Evans, who was also the conference patron, said the high-impact research and development (R&D) oriented conference held great significance in terms of transfer of technology and the accelerated development of the R&D sector in the region.

 “This international conference is excellent for researchers, engineers, scientists, academicians, industry professionals and students to network and share their findings, and also initiate further collaborative research in their respective fields,” said Evans.

About 150 papers on a variety of subjects, including research in aerospace engineering, civil and constructional engineering, chemical engineering, computer and communications engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, mathematics, chemistry, environmental science, petroleum geology and other geosciences were presented during the conference.

The conference was supported by Shell, Petronas and Murphy Oil, and an Oil & Gas Colloquium on petroleum issues was held on the first day, which saw key papers on various aspects of the petroleum industry being presented by industry professionals.

Meanwhile, in his keynote address to the conference delegates, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Chan said he hoped the conference would inspire the delegates to take their R&D in engineering and the sciences to greater heights to meet the ever-changing economic and technological demands of the world.

“There has long been a need for a theme-focused international conference of this nature – one that takes a multi-disciplinary approach, that encourages patenting of research and development findings, is the basis for the formation of research clusters on a global scale, meets current societal needs and addresses the concerns of governments around the world about the constantly changing economic and technological demands they face,” he said.

 “There will also be a significant infusion of funds for R&D. Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia has accorded Curtin Sarawak RM6 million for its R&D efforts and that sum is to be matched ringgit-for-ringgit by the Malaysian government,” he added.

Also present at the opening ceremony were CSM dean Associate Professor Dr Joan Gribble, conference chairman Associate Professor Dr Eswaran Padmanabhan, and director of the School of Engineering and Science, Associate Professor Dr Chua Han Bing.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam giving his keynote address.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Chan (front row, centre), conference chairman Associate Professor Dr Eswaran Padmanabhan and CSM pro vice-chancellor Professor Dr John Evans (2nd and 4th from left respectively) with conference delegates, organisers and sponsors.