ICMPC 2025 makes landmark debut in Malaysia, hosted by Curtin Malaysia

Miri, Sarawak – 11 December 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first institution outside India – and the first in Southeast Asia – to host the 17th International Conference on Materials Processing and Characterisation (ICMPC 2025). The landmark event signifies Malaysia’s rising influence in global materials science research and positions Sarawak as a growing hub for international academic exchange.

Held at the Imperial Hotel, Miri, the three-day conference was jointly organised with the Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology (GRIET), Hyderabad, India, bringing together over 200 delegates from more than 10 countries, including India, Malaysia, Australia, Poland, South Africa, and Bangladesh. It was co-chaired by Professor Sujan Debnath of Curtin University Malaysia and Professor Swadesh Kumar Singh of GRIET India.

This year’s theme, ‘Towards Sustainability in Materials and Characterisation’, underscored the accelerating global push toward greener technologies and highlights Curtin Malaysia’s expanding leadership in sustainable materials research and digital manufacturing.

The conference was officiated by Miri City Councillor Kelvin Chia on behalf of the guest of honour, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism), Sarawak.

In his speech delivered by Councillor Chia, Datuk Ting lauded the conference for supporting Sarawak’s innovation-driven growth agenda. “Advancements in materials science and sustainable manufacturing are vital to Sarawak’s transition toward a high-income, innovation-led economy,” he remarked.

He added that Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) places strong emphasis on green energy, digital transformation, and circular economy principles – all areas where materials innovation will play a pivotal role.

Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen said the conference reflects Curtin’s mission to create global impact through education and research.

“Our work in sustainable materials, digital manufacturing, and energy transition supports both regional and international development goals,” he noted. “Hosting ICMPC 2025 elevates the visibility of the research community in Borneo and fosters deeper cross-border collaboration.”

In the opening speech, conference chair Professor Sujan Debnath welcomed the strong international participation, emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing emerging challenges in materials processing and characterisation, and highlighted the conference’s role as a global platform for advancing knowledge and collaboration in materials science.

A key highlight was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Curtin Malaysia and three leading engineering institutions in India, namely Narasaraopeta Engineering College, KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology, and the G. Narayana Institute of Technology and Science (for Women). The agreements aim to boost academic and research collaboration, facilitating joint projects, student and staff exchange, and shared technological expertise.

ICMPC 2025 featured an extensive programme of keynote lectures, technical presentations, and panel discussions exploring advanced materials, green processing, nanomaterials, renewable energy systems, and digital manufacturing. The sessions highlighted emerging technologies expected to drive cleaner production and support sustainable industrial development across the region.

Representatives from Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Press Metal Bintulu as the valuable sponsors of the conference were also in attendance, signalling Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a strategic destination for high-impact scientific and industry-focused conferences.

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

Conference participants in a group photo with the VIPs.

(5th right) Dr Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean, External Engagement, Prof Lee; and Cr Chia with representatives of the three Indian institutions after MoU exchange ceremony.