Industry-University-Community (IUC) Summit 2026
Welcome to the Industry-University-Community (IUC) Summit 2026, a premier institutional flagship event dedicated to advancing strategic partnerships between academia, corporate sectors, and the wider community.
Aligned with our Research Masterplan 2030, the IUC Summit 2026 serves as a specialised, high-level platform designed to address critical challenges in research, technological innovation, and commercialisation. By showcasing the university's cutting-edge capabilities to industry champions and community leaders, the summit facilitates a paradigm shift from theoretical research to tangible, real-world application.
Summit Objectives
The IUC Summit 2026 is structured to deliver measurable outcomes across four primary pillars:
- Bringing industry and community leaders directly to Swinburne Sarawak to cultivate closer, high-value connections.
- Bridging structural gaps between academia, commerce, and civic organizations to drive holistic impact.
- Fostering collaborative networks that combine deep academic expertise with agile, entrepreneurial thinking.
- Creating a robust framework to establish new strategic alliances while reinforcing existing institutional relationships.
The detailed schedule of events can be found in the attached Program Itinerary for IUC Summit 2026.
Thought Leadership Panels
Engaging and thought-provoking discussions among featured speakers from different sectors. Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that brings together expertise, industry insight, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Research Exhibition
Showcasing research ideas that solve existing problems in real life through interactive poster presentation sections. Highlighting technology advancements and social solutions that deliver impacts beyond university.
Innovation Pitching Competition
A specialized platform for research project pitching. Innovative and creative research ideas will be presented. Best idea(s) will be rewarded with seed grant co-funded by Swinburne Sarawak and external partners from industries and communities.
Strategic Networking
Specialised track sessions will be organized to foster cross-sectoral collaborations to co-create solutions and exchange knowledge for a given subject matter.
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| Co-Chair: Ir Prof Dr Viknesh Andiappan [email protected] |
Co-Chair: Ir Assoc Prof Dr How Bing Shen [email protected] |
| Roles | Committee Members |
|---|---|
| Advisory | Prof Ida Fatimawati bt Adi Badiozaman |
| Sponsorship Team | Ts Judy Tan Let Hui Ir Prof Dr Viknesh Andiappan Ir Assoc Prof Dr How Bing Shen |
| Secretariat Team | Mr Chew Yick Eu |
| Treasury Team | Ms Nur Aisyah Binti Hamli Ms Cecilia Anak Anyum |
| Design Team | Ms Rahf Elmahdi Ibrahim Elmahdi Zahran Dr Lim Ai Ling (Edith) Dr Swetha Madhusudanan |
| Creative Launch Team | Ir Assoc Prof Dr Hudyjaya Siswoyo Jo |
| Exhibition Team | Dr Sim Chia Hua (Janice) Ts Dr Chung Ping Ping Dr Bong Shin Hau Dr MD Shamim Hossain Ms Lai Jia Chi |
| Editorial Team | Ms Shellyn Felicia Anak James |
| Event Team |
Ms Siti Aishah Maulad Jainudin Ms Dollyrissia Lainers Debra Ms Vanessa Rae Anak Dunstan Ts Dr Lee Sue Han Ir Assoc Prof Dr Choo Chung Siung Ir Prof Dr Jaka Sunarso Ir Assoc Prof Dr Hudyjaya Siswoyo Jo Ts Dr Sheena Punai Anak Philimon Dr Clarice Chua Sze Wee Mr Daniel Nyuin Anak Alfred Damu Mr Lau Lik Chou Ms Adeline Tan Shu Ting Ms Kathy Wong Hui Ying Ms Ooi Mun Yee (Jaslyn) Ms Wang Yu Si Mr Ezra Hii Sau Jieng Ms Chan Xhin Yiet Ms Cheng Xin Hui Mr Fatin Uflat Mr Clarence Lau Yii Fang Mr John Chung Zu An Ms Tang Ling Ying (Emmee) Ms Yong Wei Sing Mr Alvin Lee Guo Jian Mr Tan Voon Tao Ms Mandy Lam Xin Ying Mr H'ng Yee Shean |
| Event Emcee | Ms Norizan Tan |
| Publicity Team | Ms Uvaneswari A/P Aripitri Ms Wang Yu Si |
| Award Team | Dr Shatha Suliman |
Keynote 1 Presentation: Leading Innovation Through People, Partnerships and Purpose - Building the Innovation Ecosystem That Shapes Sarawak's Future
Venue: Lecture Theatre
Date and Time: 11 Aug 2026 (Tues), 10:30am – 11:00am
Andrew Chan
Chief Human Resources Officer, Press Metal Group
Keynote 2 Presentation: Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC): From Commercialization to a Global Infrastructure Revolution
Venue: Lecture Theatre
Date and Time: 12 Aug 2026 (Wed), 9:00am – 9:30am
Adj Prof Ir Dr Voo Yen Lei
Founder, Director, Chief Technology Officer, Dura Technology Sdn. Bhd.
Discussion Panel 1: Technology, Innovation & Commercialisation
Venue: Lecture Theatre
Date and Time: 11 Aug 2026 (Tues), 13:30pm – 14:30pm
Theme: From Lab to Market — Why Adoption Fails on Both Sides
Overview:
This panel examines why technologies that appear technically validated and institutionally supported still fail to achieve real-world deployment. The discussion confronts a central misalignment: academia is rewarded for disclosures, publications, and IP creation, while industry is driven by deployability, speed, and risk control. Rather than viewing these systems as independent failures, our panelists look at them as structural misalignments. The session will focus on how successful "boundary-spanners"—leaders operating across academia, industry, and policy—effectively bridge these conflicting incentives to move innovations from lab environments into operational systems.
Line Up:
Moderator
Ts Dr Joel Than Chia Ming
Head of Department – Master of Information Technology & Software Engineering, Senior Lecturer
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
Panellist 1
Ir Assoc Prof Dr Hudyjaya Siswoyo Jo
Director, Centre for Digital Futures
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
Panellist 2
Ts Diana Ho Ak Maling
Founder & CEO, Tajau Berseri Consulting Sdn. Bhd.
 Ts. Hazwan.JPEG)
Panellist 3
Ts Hazwan Razak
Chief Executive Officer, BioVerde Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
Discussion Panel 2: Community Impact & Knowledge Transfer
Venue: Lecture Theatre
Date and Time: 12 Aug 2026 (Wed), 9:30am – 10:30am
Theme: Beyond the Funding Cycle — Making Community Impact Last
Overview:
University–community initiatives in Malaysia have expanded rapidly over the past decade, yet empirical studies consistently show that most projects remain grant dependent and time bound, dissolving once funding ends due to weak ownership structures, unclear exit governance, and limited post project accountability. This panel examines how knowledge transfer initiatives can move beyond short-term projects toward durable, community-owned, and revenue-linked outcomes, particularly within Sarawak's digital and biodiversity governance landscape.
Line Up:
Moderator
Ts Assoc Prof Dr Miko Chang May Lee
Head of School - ICT
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
Panellist 1
Dr Nor Ashikin binti Abdul Rahman
Head of Campus CENTEXS Lundu,
Acting Principle Instructor for IESG Academy
Panellist 2
Madam Lelia Sim Ah Hua
Chief Executive Officer
Sarawak Development Institute (SDI)
Panellist 3
Dr Hadi Akbar Bin Dahlan
Assistant Manager (Research Development Division)
Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Venue: Borneo Atrium
Exhibition Hours: Open throughout the event
Overview:
The Research Showcase & Exhibition highlights Swinburne Sarawak's research capabilities, innovation initiatives, technologies, prototypes, and collaborative projects through interactive exhibition booths, demonstrations, and research displays. The showcase provides participants with opportunities to explore emerging research developments, discover potential collaboration opportunities, and engage directly with researchers, students, industry partners, startups, and sponsors. The exhibition aims to strengthen research visibility while promoting interdisciplinary engagement and innovation-driven partnerships.
Swinburne Sarawak researchers and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students are warmly invited to participate in the upcoming Innovation Pitching Competition, held in conjunction with the Industry-University-Community (IUC) Summit 2026. This competition provides a premier platform to showcase creative, research-backed ideas aimed at solving real-world, industry-linked problems. Translate your research insights into tangible real-world impact while competing for attractive financial rewards.
Available Challenge Topics:
Circular Economy and Carbon Credit Opportunities in Hazardous Waste Management
Predictive Energy Optimisation for SOCOE Facilities & Operations
Judges – Topic 1 (Greenverse)
Datin Wang Mei Kuen (Mezi)
Managing Director, Greenverse Sdn. Bhd.
Nur Syuhada Nordin
Business Development Regional Manager, Greenverse Sdn. Bhd.
Judges – Topic 2 (SOCOE)
Angie Liew Xia Chi
Manager, People and Culture, SOCOE Sdn. Bhd.
Abdul Najib Azhfar bin Aini
Manager, Marketing and Communication, SOCOE Sdn. Bhd.
Competition Overview & Prizes
- The Mission: Pitch a viable solution or idea targeting one of the specific challenges provided above.
- The Prize: The winning individual or group for each industry-linked problem will receive a monetary prize of RM2,000.00 (co-funded by Swinburne Sarawak and external partners) alongside an official e-certificate.
- Recognition: All participating competitors will receive an e-certificate of participation.
Eligibility & Team Registration:
The competition is open to the following groups at Swinburne Sarawak:
- All Academicians
- Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Students
- Final Year Undergraduate (UG) Students*
Note: You may register as an individual or as a group (maximum of 3 members). All submissions are evaluated within the same cohort.
*Undergraduate Requirement: If final-year undergraduate students participate, a Swinburne Sarawak academician must be appointed as a supervisor and will occupy one of the 3 available team member slots.
Competition Format
- The Event: Successful applicants will compete physically on campus on 12 August 2026 (Tues). Winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on the same day (at least one group member must attend the closing ceremony).
- Pitching: Each team is allocated a 15-minute slot, which encompasses an 8-minute PowerPoint presentation followed by 7 minutes of Q&A. To ensure smooth transition, the slide must be share with the Dr Shatha Suliman Atieh Abu Mahfouz ([email protected]) and IUC summit secretary team ([email protected]).
- Evaluation: A panel consisting of academicians and industry professionals will judge the pitches based on Problem Comprehension & Alignment, Feasibility, Impact, Scalability & ROI, Pitch Delivery, and Q&A. The judges' decisions are final.
Submission Method & Timeline:
To apply, please complete the online submission form before the deadline. A 300-word abstract of your pitching idea is needed. Incomplete submissions will not be entertained.
- Submission Link: Official IUC 2026 Registration Form
- Application Deadline: 31st July 2026 (Fri), 11:59 PM (GMT+8)
- Confirmation of Success: 5th August 2026 (Wed)
More Information
For a comprehensive overview of the challenge guidelines, evaluation rubric, and templates, please refer directly to the attached Application Info Guide [Download here]. Should you have any queries or require further assistance, please feel free to reach out to the IUC Summit Secretariat ([email protected]).
Specialised Track A1: Powering Sarawak's Green Energy: Hydrogen Technology
Venue: B006
Date and Time: 11 Aug 2026 (Tues), 14:45pm – 16:15pm
Overview:
This specialised track explores Swinburne Sarawak's role in advancing hydrogen research, innovation and industry readiness. Led by the Materials for Hydrogen and Biomass research group under the Research Centre for Sustainable Technologies, this session will highlight key breakthroughs in advanced materials for water electrolysis and fuel cells, supported by specialised laboratory capabilities and characterisation facilities. The track will also showcase strategic collaborations with industry, including initiatives with Sarawak Metro under the SEED Programme, aimed at translating research expertise into practical training and human capital development for Sarawak's emerging hydrogen economy.
Session Chair: Ir Prof Dr Jaka Sunarso
Ir Professor Jaka Sunarso |
Ir Associate Professor Chew Jiuan Jing |
Dr Melvin Wee Xin Jie |
| Introduction of Materials for Hydrogen and Biomass (MAT-H2B) Research Group + Laboratory capabilities & Advanced materials research | ||
Specialised Track B1: Digital Technology and Capability Showcase (Sponsored by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation)
Venue: B209/218
Date and Time: 11 Aug 2026 (Tues), 14:45pm – 16:15pm
Overview:
The session is designed as an interactive engagement platform that showcases innovative digital technologies, research prototypes, and applied solutions developed by CDF researchers. The showcase will feature demonstrations and exhibits in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Industrial IoT, Digital Health, Smart Manufacturing, Interactive Digital Experiences, and other emerging digital technologies with real-world applications. Exhibitors will demonstrate technologies, discuss potential applications, and explore opportunities for collaboration, joint research initiatives and commercialization.
Presentation: Beyond the Lab: Connecting Research, Technology & Industry
Ms Antionette Goh
Head of Research and Product Development, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation
Session Chair: Ir Assoc Prof Dr Hudyjaya Siswoyo Jo
Demonstrators:
Dr Jimmy Tjen Multimodal Sensing |
Dr Evon Lim Wan Ting Autonomous Robots |
Ir Assoc Prof Hudyjaya Siswoyo Jo Industrial IoT |
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Ts Dr Joel Than Chia Ming Artificial Intelligence |
Dr Khaled Yahya Mohamed Mahmoud Elkarazle AI Coding Copilot for Software Development |
Specialised Track A2: Innovations for Society
Venue: The Hive (Block G, level 9)
Date and Time: 12 Aug 2026 (Wed), 14:00pm – 15:30pm
Overview:
What does it look like when research meets real communities? The Centre for Innovative Society at Swinburne Sarawak answers that question through six showcases spanning some of the most pressing social and economic challenges of our time. Come explore how aquaculture communities in Batang Ai are rethinking governance to improve rural livelihoods, how VR and creative media are giving communities a stronger voice, how rural homestay tourism can be both sustainable and design-forward, and how workplaces are evolving to be more equitable. This session showcases research that directly engages financial institutions and policymakers on climate transition risks in the economy, and practical tools helping SMEs make sense of ESG. The session combines open exhibition booths that can be browsed at one's own pace with a stakeholder roundtable, drawing participants from government agencies, financial institutions, and industry.
Session Chair: Ir Assoc Prof Dr Choo Chung Siung
Wilson Suai Creative Media / The Listening Initiative Exhibition |
Dr Ivon Lim Tze Yin Sustainable Tourism / Mindful Tourism |
Assoc Prof Voon Mung Ling Social Equity / Integrated Work Arrangement |
Dr Yii Kwang Jing Towards Safe and Sustainable Transport |
Dr Leong Choi Meng Sustainable Futures / ESG Book |
Specialised Track B2: Women in Tech: Leading Inclusive Innovation Across Boundaries
Venue: B209/218
Date and Time: 12 Aug 2026 (Wed), 14:00pm – 15:30pm
Overview:
The session celebrates the contributions of women in technology who are driving inclusive, interdisciplinary and impact-oriented innovation. This session highlights women-led work across areas such as sustainable technologies, digital solutions, biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, community-driven research and smart urban development. Through examples of collaboration, inclusive design and practical problem-solving, the track showcases how women in tech are bridging knowledge with real-world application, advancing sustainable development and shaping more equitable solutions for communities, industries and the environment.
Session Chair: Ts Dr Lee Sue Han
Ts Dr Vong Wan Tze From Prediction to Personalization: Towards Next-Generation Chronic Disease Management with AI and Knowledge Graphs |
Dr Irine Runnie Henry Ginjom Sustainable Foods and Circular System |
Dr Fu Swee Tee Intelligent Video Analytics and Multimodal AI for Safety-Critical Applications |
Ir Dr Elizabeth Chong Eu Mee Towards Safe and Sustainable Transport |
Dr Maggie May Jean Tang Fuelling the Future: Decoding the Influence of Monetary Policy on Asia's Clean Energy Investment |
Dr Swetha Madhusudhanan Predictive Indoor Environmental and Energy Optimisation Platform for Smart Buildings |
Partner with Us: Drive Innovation & Corporate Impact
We invite your organisation to become a strategic sponsor of the Industry-University-Community (IUC) Summit 2026. Sponsoring this premier institutional event positions your brand at the center of innovation, offering unparalleled access to high-value networks, cutting-edge R&D pipelines, and future-ready talent.
Why Sponsor?
By aligning your brand with the IUC Summit 2026, your organization capitalizes on distinct strategic advantages:
Premium Brand Exposure: Showcase your corporate leadership and maximise brand visibility before a curated audience of industry executives, academics, and key community stakeholders.
High-Value Networking: Establish exclusive connections with potential collaborators, industry champions, and strategic institutional partners.
Talent Acquisition Pipeline: Gain direct access to top-tier researchers, innovators, and emerging specialists to secure your future workforce.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Demonstrate a tangible commitment to advancing sustainable development, regional technological innovation, and community growth.
Sponsorship Packages & Deliverables
We offer a diverse portfolio of sponsorship packages designed to align with your organization's strategic objectives and budget, full details of which can be found in our [Sponsorship Brochure (PDF)]. Kindly note that the sponsorship package can be customised to better suit your organisation's preferences, as the current structure is provided for reference. To discuss tailored sponsorship frameworks or to secure your package, please connect directly with the IUC Secretariat via email at [email protected].
Thank you for partnering with Swinburne Sarawak to turn research into real-world impact.
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