USM PENANG, 6 May 2026 – The Young Researchers Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), organised by the Geography Section, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), brought together more than 50 young scholars, academics, and international experts in a hybrid conference focused on addressing pressing disaster challenges in the region.

In his opening remarks, Dean of the School of Humanities, Associate Professor Dr. Jasni Sulong, welcomed participants and underscored the urgency of disaster risk issues.

He noted that natural disasters are an increasing threat, requiring solutions that extend beyond technical approaches to include interdisciplinary strategies, stronger community engagement, and the integration of nature-based solutions with scientific research.

The conference is part of the “DIGIHAZ: Digital Transformation in Disaster Risk Reduction” project, a European Union-funded collaboration involving six institutions, with USM as one of the key partners.

The programme featured a distinguished panel of keynote speakers, including Professor Dr. Sergio Molinas from the University of Alicante, Spain, who leads the DIGIHAZ project.

Joining virtually were Professor Md Nurul Islam (Central Dhaka University), Professor Zhongli Chen (Chongqing University), Professor Fares Howari (Ajman University), and Professor Sri Maryati (Institut Teknologi Bandung), reflecting the international scope of the conference.

In line with efforts to strengthen expertise in disaster risk reduction, USM offers postgraduate programmes namely the Master of Geomatic for Disaster Risk Reduction and the PhD in Geoinformatics for Disaster Risk Management, developed through international collaborations under Erasmus+ (geoDRR) and the SCOPE-HE (DIGIHAZ) projects.

The conference was co-chaired by Dr. Wan Mohd Muhiyuddin (USM) and Dr. Samer Zyoud (Ajman University), demonstrating a strong institutional partnership to nurturing the next generation of disaster risk reduction researchers.

The conference also provided a vital platform for young researchers to exchange knowledge, forge networks, and contribute to evidence-based solutions aimed at enhancing disaster resilience.

The event is expected to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen collaborations, and support ongoing efforts to build safer and more resilient communities.

Text: Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International, USM/Photo: Geography Section, School of Humanities, USM