Digital technology for a sustainable world focus of ICDATE 2023 at Curtin Malaysia

Miri – 18 July 2023 – In line with its theme, ‘Digital World for Sustainable Future’, the first International Conference on Digital Application, Transformation & Economy (ICDATE 2023) jointly hosted by Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) at the Curtin Malaysia campus from 14 to 17 July 2023 focused on new advances and research in digital technology.

The conference was organised in collaboration with the IEEE Signal Processing Society Malaysia Chapter, Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Malaysia Section, and the Indore Institute of Science and Technology, India.

It served as a platform for a diverse range of international delegates numbering over 200, comprising leading researchers, academics, scientists and industry professionals, to explore the current trends, challenges, and innovations in digital applications and their impact on various industries and economies.

It focused on eight key themes: Digital Technology (AI, Big Data and Blockchain); SmartTech, Fintech and EdTech; Digital Transformation (Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship and Marketing); Digital Services, E-Government and E-Governance; Digital Tourism; Cyber Security; Digital Media and Communication; and Digital Applications in Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering.

During the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the conference aligned with Sarawak’s vision of becoming a digital powerhouse and driving sustainable development. Sarawak aims to use digital technologies to promote economic growth, enhance social well-being, and protect the environment.

The state government, he said, wants to create a vibrant digital ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship, empowers communities, and bridges the gap between urban and rural areas.

He shared that the Sarawak government is committed to using digital technologies to optimise resources, reduce waste, and minimise the environmental impact of activities.

“In Sarawak, digital transformation can bring significant economic growth, job creation, and social development. Digital applications, like smart city initiatives, can improve energy efficiency, optimise transportation systems, and enhance the quality of life for citizens,” he said.

Also present at the opening were Curtin Malaysia’s Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vincent Lee, UTS’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohammad Shahril Osman, IEEE Region 10 Director Prof. Lance Fung, and conference chair Dr. Saaveethya Sivakumar.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Prof. Simon Leunig, in his speech delivered by Prof. Lee, said Curtin Malaysia was honoured to host the inaugural ICDATE.

“By hosting ICDATE 2023, Curtin Malaysia continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a conducive environment for research and innovation. The conference will contribute to the growth of digital technology in Malaysia and the broader global community, laying the foundations for future advancements and breakthroughs,” he said.

He added that the conference’s affiliation with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) ensured the credibility and integrity of the event, underscoring its significance within the academic field. Additionally, all accepted conference papers were published in the highly regarded IEEExplore database, enhancing the visibility and impact of their research contributions.

The conference program was meticulously curated to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in various disciplines. Renowned keynote speakers, adept in their respective fields, imparted their expertise and shared profound insights. Concurrent sessions, panel discussions, and technical presentations further enriched the conference experience, allowing participants to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.

Among the keynote speakers at the conference were Jojo Oon (Water & CPG Segment Leader, Schneider Electric) who presented on ‘Driving Sustainable Industry through Digitisation: Power Management for a Changing World‘, Nursyafika Zakaria (Technical Support Engineer, SuperMap Malaysia) whose keynote speech focused on ’Augmented Reality Geographic Information System (AR GIS) for Smart Park Application’, and Hei Zel Tan (Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) Malaysia) who talked about ‘Digitalising Carbon Management towards Net Zero by 2050’.

In addition, there was an IEEE Student, Young Professionals, Women in Engineering and Life (SYWL) Plenary Session by Prof. Lance Fung (IEEE Region 10 Director), Dr. Nordin Ramli (IEEE Malaysia Section Chair), and Hudyjaya Siswoyojo (IEEE Sarawak Subsection Chair).

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

UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof Ir Ts Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman (right) presenting Datuk Sebastian Ting a momento while Prof Vincent Lee looks on.

Group photo of Datuk Sebastian Ting with organisers, keynote speakers and delegates following the opening ceremony.