BATU FERRINGHI, PENANG, 19 September 2023 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR) had the privilege to organise and host the 3rd International Conference on Semiconductor Materials and Technology (ICoSeMT) 2023 and the 2nd International Invention, Innovation & Design Expo (INoDEx) 2023.

Joining USM INOR in co-organising this conference were Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang (UiTMCPP); National Nanotechnology Centre (NNC); Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI); MIMOS Berhad; and Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST).

The two-day conference attracted a diverse array of presenters, experts, industry leaders, exhibitors, and participants, totalling over 150 from esteemed institutions both locally and abroad, including delegates from Japan, Austria, Germany, South Korea, and India.

The opening ceremony held at a leading hotel in Batu Ferringhi this evening was graced by the presence of the Director of the National Nanotechnology Centre, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Ruslinda A. Rahim representing the Minister of MOSTI, and the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab who represented the USM Vice-Chancellor.

With the theme “Innovation Towards A Sustainable Tomorrow,” the primary focus of the conference is to create an effective medium for institutions and industries to share ideas, knowledge, and expertise in the fields related to Semiconductor Materials and Technology. 

Ruslinda in her officiating speech said that the conference theme has captured the interest of MOSTI, as it is aligned with the direction of MOSTI for the focus of 2023 on community-based approaches and collaboration in science, technology and innovation (STI) in solving the problems of the people and the country.

“I am confident that the conference would benefit the nation and assist the government in realising the aspirations of relevant national policies for the country’s sustainable growth.

“Furthermore, more importantly, this effort would also fulfill aspects of the MALAYSIA MADANI agenda and targets, such as shaping and driving the future via the economy and education, as outlined by the Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim in January this year.

“On behalf of MOSTI, I would like to congratulate all those involved in organising this conference and exhibition. This collaborative effort is very commendable and should be continued in the future. Syabas!,” she said.

Meanwhile, Habibah emphasised that in alignment with the USM’s Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) agenda, the university remains steadfast in its pursuit of elevating research and innovation to meet global academic and industry benchmarks.

“From research, an innovation can enhance technology development and could benefit others, including the bottom billion. It is hoped that this conference will create a platform for researchers to share their knowledge and findings, as well as their innovations, thus encouraging greater collaboration and networking among the participants in the related field of semiconductor materials and technology,” said Habibah.

The ceremony was also enlivened with traditional dance performances by the Adikarma dance group from USM.

Also present were the USM INOR Director, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamir Pakhuruddin; UiTMCPP Deputy Rector, Academic Affairs Department, Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Hjh Siti Noraini Sulaiman; CEO of CREST, Jaffri Ibrahim; USM Industry Network Director, Associate Professor Dr. Shaizatulaqma Kamalul Ariffin; Senior Staff Researcher, MIMOS Berhad, Dr. Lee Hing Wah; keynote and plenary speakers, industrial partners, ICoSeMT and INoDEx organising committees.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi & Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim