The Petri Dish
Geoscientists gather to discuss technology for earth science applications
By author | 22 December 2023

Participants of International Conference on Geophysics 2023 (ICOG 2023) that was organised for the first time.

PENANG: The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Physics recently played host to a gathering of some of the brightest minds in the field of geophysics.

The International Conference on Geophysics 2023 (ICOG 2023) was held and organised for the first time, bringing together researchers, scholars, and industry professionals from around the globe to explore and discuss the latest advancements and discoveries in the realm of Earth sciences.

The co-organisers for this conference were Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Institut Teknologi Sepuloh Nopember (ITS) and Istanbul Teknik University (ITU).

More than 80 participants from various regions of Malaysia and other countries, attended the ICOG 2023 conference.

With the theme “Leveraging Technology for Earth Science Applications,” the conference, held from 16 to 17 November at Hard Rock Hotel, Penang provided a platform for sharing all aspects related to geoscience, from the application of geophysical methods in engineering and environment, geophysical exploration, geology, oceanography, as well as remote sensing applications in various fields.

The conference was filled with technical talks and presentations by reputable speakers worldwide.

Among them, keynote speakers such as Devandran Arumugam, Ir Som Pong Pichan, Professor Dr Yih-Min Wu, and Assoc Professor Dr Ir Ayi Syaeful Bahri were luminaries in the field, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within geophysics.

The Local Organising Committee played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the conference, with the School of Physics Dean, Professor Dr Abdul Razak Ibrahim as the conference advisor; Professor Dr Rosli Saad serving as the Organizing Chairperson; Assoc. Professor Dr Lim Hwee San as the technical chairman, all geophysics lecturers and all the School of Physics staff as the committee. Their dedicated efforts were instrumental in the conference’s triumph.

Abdul Razak in his officiating speech, said, “As USM is the only institution in Malaysia that offers the Geophysics programme, we have, for many years, played a pioneering role in advancing geophysics education and research throughout Malaysia.”

“We, at USM, understand the key role of geoscientists in providing and offering innovative solutions to address critical global issues such as climate change, resource management, and environmental sustainability,” he added.

Touching on the ICOG 2023 theme, Abdul Razak said, “To create a strong culture of technological innovation and creativity in earth science applications, USM is actively establishing an up-to-date and industry-ready academic programme, with knowledge transfer from important industry players within Malaysia.”

“As we align with the USM’s Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) agenda, USM continues in its strides towards empowering research and innovation to raise the university up to global academic and industry standards.

“As such, I truly hope that this conference will create a platform for researchers to share their knowledge and findings, as well as their innovations, to help enhance technology development in the related field to benefit others, including the bottom billion.

“It also reflects USM’s commitment in leading the way towards fostering the development of skilled professionals, bridging the academia-industry gap, and promoting scientific advancements in the field of geoscience,” he explained further.

Abdul Razak added, “Furthermore, by the motto “We Lead” at USM, I am happy to note that the university has started to empower geophysics events such as ICOG 2023, and with the hope that many more to come.”

In addition to the academic sessions, the conference also featured networking opportunities and social events, allowing attendees to connect with peers, establish new collaborations, and build lasting professional relationships.

These interactions, both inside and outside the lecture halls, added a valuable dimension to the conference experience, fostering a sense of community among the diverse group of participants.

The conference was sponsored by Gamuda Engineering Sdn Bhd, Global GeoExperts Sdn. Bhd and Guideline Geo.

The success of the International Conference on Geophysics organised by the School of Physics, USM not only signifies a milestone in the academic calendar but also reinforces the university’s position as a hub for scientific inquiry and collaboration. – USM NEWS PORTAL