USM PENANG, 20 September 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently held the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (iCMR) 2023 through hybrid mode at the Murad Mohd. Noor Auditorium, Sains@USM in Bukit Jambul.

iCMR was organised by the USM School of Distance Education (SDE), in collaboration with five other ASEAN institutions, namely Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara (UISU); Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK); Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS); Tan Trao University (TTrU); and Cambodia University of Technology and Science (CamTech).

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, who gave his inauguration remarks via a video recording.

USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry, Community Network and Institutional Sustainability, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran in representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, in his welcoming address, said that USM believes that multidisciplinary research is essential in addressing the world’s most pressing issues and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG) by 2030.

“This year’s theme, “Fostering Multidisciplinary Research: An Agenda for 2030 Sustainable Development” is particularly timely and relevant. It reflects the pressing need for a sustainable future that balances economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship,” he said.

Azlan added, “Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is committed to advancing knowledge and promoting research that contributes to the betterment of society, which is very much in line with USM’s Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) agenda.” 

iCMR is an annual event to advance multidisciplinary science theories and practices in three main areas – Social Sciences, Science & Engineering, and Health & Life Sciences.

The primary goal is to promote the exchange of ideas and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers, scholars, industry players, and practitioners worldwide.

This three-day conference which begins today includes keynote sessions by renowned academics from various fields, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, as well as paper presentations, workshops, and exhibitions.

Former USM Vice-Chancellor, who is now the Ibnu Sina Professorial Chair in Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan Campus, Professor Emerita Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail delivered her keynote address on the topic ‘Championing responsible research for global sustainability.’

Also present were USM SDE Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob; and iCMR 2023 Chairperson and SDE Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation & Industry-Community Engagement, Ts. Chm. Dr. Sumiyyah Sabar.

Text: Siti Fatimah Abu Mansor & Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa