Large number of international delegates expected for 2nd CUTSE International Conference this November

Miri – 11 May, 2009 – The 2nd Curtin University of Technology Science and Engineering (CUTSE) International Conference being organised by Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia’s School of Engineering and Science in collaboration with the Miri branch of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) in Miri on 24 and 25 November 2009 is set to draw participation from a large number of countries in the region.

The aim of the annual conference is to promote sustainable technology and innovative research in the 21st Century and the theme for this year’s conference is ‘Progress in Science and Engineering for Sustainable Development’.

According to organising co-chairman for the conference Dr Yudi Samyudia, the inaugural CUTSE International Conference last year saw over 100 participants from various countries including Malaysia, Australia, Egypt, India, Iran, Myanmar and Singapore converging on the Curtin Sarawak campus for the three-day conference. He expects the response to be even greater this year. Registration is open until 15 October 2009.

Dr Samyudia, who is the Dean of Curtin Sarawak’s School of Engineering and Science, is jointly chairing the conference organising committee with Dr Alexander Gorin, head of the university’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Dr Gorin says the high-impact research and development oriented conference holds great significance in terms of transfer of technology and the accelerated development of the research and development sector in the region.

“It is an excellent platform for researchers, engineers, scientists, academicians and industry professionals to share the latest innovation, research and practices in engineering and science, explore their potential for industrial applications, and also initiate further collaborative research in their respective fields,” he says.

Researchers and industry practitioners who are interested to submit papers for presentation at the conference can send extended abstracts by e-mail to cutse2009@curtin.edu.my by 3 July 2009. All submissions will be peer reviewed and evaluated based on originality, technical and/or research content, depth, correctness, relevance to the conference and readability. Selected papers will be considered for publication in international journals. Topics of interest for submission include Engineering Science Fundamentals; Systems and Control; Mechatronics and ICT; Structures, Materials and Manufacturing; Energy, Environment and Resources.

“Engineering companies and industries are also invited to submit proposals for workshops to be affiliated with the conference scope and topics, and to actively participate in the event. In addition, there will be a number of invited sessions on special topics where they can share their research positions, original research results and practical development experiences on specific new challenges and emerging issues,” says Dr Gorin.

According to Curtin Sarawak’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor John Evans, who is also the conference patron, the CUTSE International Conference holds huge potential for future collaborative research and linkages when the BioValley Park Project being developed by the Ministry of Industrial Development at Curtin Sarawak is operational towards the end of 2010.

He adds that Curtin Sarawak has seen a significant infusion of funds for research and development of late with some RM6 million from Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia, and a matching grant from the Malaysian federal government.

Among the keynote speakers at this year’s conference will be Professor Arie van Riessen, Director of the Curtin Centre for Materials Research at Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia, and Dr Michael Wong, Deputy Director of the Biotechnology Research Institute at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

Other speakers include industry practitioners who will deliver talks on a variety of topics ranging from challenges faced by industry to recent technological advances in science and engineering at the workshops and invited sessions.

Full details on the conference, including paper submission dates, registration fees and a downloadable flyer and registration form, are available on the conference website at www.curtin.edu.my/cutse2009. Information can also be obtained by calling the conference secretariat at +60 85 443934, faxing to +60 85 443837, or sending an e-mail to cutse2009@curtin.edu.my.

Keynote speaker Professor Arie van Riessen of the Curtin Centre for Materials Research

Dr Michael Wong of Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Biotechnology Research Institute, another keynote speaker