17.2 – Relationships to support the goals

17.2.2 – Cross sectoral dialogue about SDGs

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively drives cross-sectoral dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through international conferences and symposia that bridge academia, industry, and government. In 2024, UKM spearheaded major global platforms such as the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Renewable and Energy Efficiency (ICSREE 2024), the 6th International Conference on Science and Technology Applications in Climate Change (STACLIM 2024), and the 1st International Symposium on Solar Hydrogen (SSH2024). These events gathered participants and experts from multiple countries to discuss innovative technologies, climate solutions, and renewable energy transitions, aligning science, policy, and industry towards shared sustainability goals. By fostering these multi-stakeholder engagements, UKM continues to position itself as a regional leader in advancing scientific dialogue and collaborative problem-solving for a more sustainable future.

Summary of the cross-sectoral dialogues

No	List of the cross-sectoral dialogue	SDG
1.	2nd International Conference on Sustainable Renewable and Energy Efficiency (ICSREE) 2024	SDG7, SDG17
2.	The 6th International Conference on Science and Technology Applications in Climate Change (STACLIM 2024)	SDG13, SDG17
3.	1st International Symposium on Solar H2 (SSH2024)	SDG7, SDG17
4.	Global Sustainability Development Congress (GSDC) 2024 – Bangkok	SDG4, SDG17
5.	Water Seminar:Integrated Water Research Synergy Consortium (IWaRes)	SDG6, SDG17
6.	International Symposium on Health Sciences (i-SIHAT 2024)	SDG3, SDG4, SDG17
7.	Empower 2024 – FSK	SDG3, SDG4, SDG17
8	International Symposium on Synthetic Biology and CRISPR Technology (iSynBioCT) 2024 https://www.ukm.my/fst/news/international-symposium-on-synthetic-biology-and-crispr-technology-isynbioct-2024/	SDG2, SDG3, SDG14, SDG15, SDG17

1. 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Renewable and Energy Efficiency (ICSREE) 2024

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) through Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (SERI-UKM) is proud to initiate and participate in the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Renewable and Energy Efficiency (ICSREE) 2024 on August 7 & 8, 2024, brought together a diverse range of participants from academia, industry, and government to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of sustainable energy. With the theme to emphasize the need for a paradigm shift in scientific approaches, acknowledging the complexity and uncertainty in today’s world, especially in the context of addressing global challenges, this conference reaffirms UKM’s commitment to driving global sustainability efforts. As we reach the midpoint of Agenda 2030, UKM is dedicated to fostering critical discussions and collaborations that assess and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly within the context of the 5Ps. 

By hosting this significant event, UKM underscores its leadership in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges and its role in shaping a sustainable future. This international platform was supported by leading institutions including SERI and Selfuel from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research & Technology (INOR) from Universiti Sains Malaysia, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (Oman), Southeast University (Bangladesh), and Universitas Indonesia. Industry partners such as Business Events Sarawak, Integrated Environmental Solution (IES), Malaysia Green Building Council (MGBC) (Non-govermental Organization), Uzma Berhad, Solarvest Holdings Berhad, Novasource Power Services, H2 Energy Sdn Bhd, and IESVE Singapore PTE LTD also played a vital role in the event. Additionally, the conference received support from the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA), reflecting strong governmental commitment to advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.

Here is the summary of some of the plenary speakers and their titles from the conference:

Plenary Speaker	Title
Energy Efficiencies & Conservations
Dr.-Ing Eko Adhi Setiawan	Tropical Renewable Energy Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia Dr.-Ing Eko Adhi Setiawan was the director of Tropical Renewable Energy Center (2014-2022) and head of the energy systems engineering master’s program at Universitas Indonesia (2018-2021). His research focuses on renewable energy integration, developing smart integrator and power converter prototypes. He led projects on bifacial floating PV, Virtual Power Plant, and DC micro/nanogrids.
Ms. Sandra Liz Hon	Executive Director, H2 Energy Group Ms. Sandra leads the company’s strategy and business development. H2 Energy provides green solutions for off-grid facilities and communities, and is part of the Annica Group, focused on energy transition and sustainability. H2 Energy launched a successful pilot project in Malaysia, providing sustainable energy to a rural clinic using a solar-hydrogen system. H2 Energy has received recognition and awards for its work, including accreditation from the Alliance for Rural Electrification and the National Energy Award 2023. Sandra is a strong advocate for green energy and drives the company’s goal of powering growth through renewables.
Ms. Noorfarhana Mat Yusoff	Supervisor – Performance Quality Data, Novasource Power Services Noorfarhana Mat Yusoff holds a Master’s degree in Physics from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. With seven years of experience in the solar energy sector, she currently works as a Supervisor – Performance Quality Data at Novasource Power Services. Noorfarhana oversees the performance and quality of solar farm operations, ensuring efficient and sustainable energy production.
Advanced Materials
Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamir Pakhuruddin	Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), Universiti Sains Malaysia Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamir Pakhuruddin is the Director at Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), Universiti Sains Malaysia. Before joining academia, he spent about 8 years in the semiconductor industry with SilTerra and Fuji Electric. He holds a PhD in Photovoltaic Engineering from University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia. His research focuses on photovoltaic materials and devices, involving thin and black silicon, perovskite, organic materials, anti-reflective coatings, transparent conductive oxides and tandem III-nitrides/silicon via simulation and experimental approaches.
Energy Policies & Economics
YBrs. Tuan Ahmad Zairin Ismail	Chair, Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) YBrs. Tuan Ahmad Zairin Ismail is the Chair of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority under PETRA. He oversees SEDA’s transformation plan for 2023-2025 as a center for the new energy transition. He has served on UN projects ranging from the commercialization of renewable energy to industrial and building energy efficiency and low-carbon mobility projects.
Dato’ Ts. Sayed Alfeizal Sayed Ahmad	Chief Aide Group CEO, Uzma Berhad Dato’ Ts. Sayed Alfeizal is a prominent leader in the energy and technology sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from California State University of Sacramento, USA. Previously, Dato’ Ts. Sayed Alfeizal worked as a Spacecraft Engineer with MEASAT before transitioning into a successful career in Sports Management. He served as the Director of Business Development for Uzma’s non-oil and gas division and is currently overseeing uzmaSAT-1 and LSS4 projects. Renowned for his contributions to renewable energy, he is also an Advisor for Persatuan Industri Tenaga Boleh Baharu dan Alam Sekitar (PINTARE). Recently, he was also appointed as a member of CEO@Faculty Programme by Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
Energy Digitalization
Mr. Rohan Rawte	Managing Director, IESVE Singapore Pte Ltd, Business Head for MENA & APAC Rohan has been involved in the Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) industry for more than 20 years. Initially specialising in the use of digital twins for avoiding failure, extending life/warranty, and optimizing cost in the mechanical and automotive industries, Rohan transitioned from the mechanical industry to the built environment when he joined IES in 2010. Rohan now manages multiple divisions for IES across the Middle East, India and Asia. Based in Singapore, he is currently focused on developing the company’s regional HQ in Asia, drawing on his experience in facing new markets, supporting the development and sale of new products, developing global and local partnerships and fostering multi-disciplinary global teams to drive results.
Social & Environment Impacts
Prof. Dr. Mofazzal Hossain	Pro-Vice Chancellor, Southeast University (SEU), Bangladesh Prof. Dr. Mofazzal Hossain is an esteemed figure in the field of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, has held academic positions at various prestigious institutions such as CUET, East West University, and ULAB. Recently, he has been appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor at Southeast University (SEU). Prior to this appointment, he served as the Dean of the School of Science and Engineering at ULAB since January 2019. Additionally, he held positions at East West University as the Chairperson of the ECE Department and the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering from May 2008 to December 2018. He embarked on his teaching journey at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh, in April 1994. He was a visiting research fellow at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan during 2005-2007. He’s also a senior member of IEEE and has contributed significantly to scholarly discourse with over 90 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and conferences. His current research pursuits encompass renewable energy and power grid dynamics, PV cell design, electric vehicles, and initiatives addressing climate change.

2. The 6th International Conference on Science and Technology Applications in Climate Change (STACLIM 2024)

UKM actively participated in cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs as we organized The 6th International Conference on Science and Technology Applications in Climate Change (STACLIM 2024) focused on the challenges of climate change and discussed new initiatives and solutions to achieve climate resilience. The conference, themed “Feeding the Future: Integrating Science into Climate Solutions,” brought together over 80 participants from Malaysia, China, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Zimbabwe on 3 to 5 September, 2024. This conference aims to raise awareness and knowledge on climate change while contributing to the development of innovative solutions aligned with the global sustainable development goals. STACLIM 2024 also featured two keynote speakers: Prof. Dr. Simon Redfern from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Chm. Dr. Mazlin Mokhtar from Sunway University. They respectively addressed topics on Climate Transformation programs and local leadership in reducing climate change risks and impacts.

Here are the keynote speakers and their titles from the conference:

Keynote Speaker	Title
Prof. Dr. Simon Redfern Dean of the College of Science and President’s Chair in Earth Sciences,Nanyang Technological University, Singapore	Climate Transformation: Understanding, Mitigating, and Adapting Prof. Dr. Simon Redfern is President’s Chair in Earth Sciences in the Asian School of the Environment, and Dean of the College of Science, NTU Singapore. He completed his PhD in 1989 at the University of Cambridge, Department of Earth Sciences, and upon graduating with his PhD he was appointed at the University of Manchester as Lecturer in Geochemical Spectroscopy joint between Geology and Chemistry. Subsequently. In 1994, he returned to Cambridge as a Lecturer in the Department of Earth Sciences, and was then promoted to Reader and then Professor. In 2016 he became Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge. He left Cambridge in 2019 to move to NTU and take up the post of President’s Chair in Earth Sciences, alongside the role of Dean of the College of Science. Professor Redfern’s work explores how minerals control and reflect Earth processes and he has worked in collaboration with a wide variety of Earth and environmental scientists, from climate scientists to volcanologists to paleontologists to seismologists and even exoplanetary “geo”scientists. In all cases he is interested in how insights into nanometre scale features provide understanding of global processes. His work has extended to using insights from nature to develop new materials in the context of materials design and engineering.
Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Chm. Dr. Mazlin bin Mokhtar, FASC.,FMIC Deputy Head (Research) & Director of Ecological Systems ProgramUnited Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network Asia Headquarters (UN SDSN Asia), Sunway University	Living in a complex, boiling world: Leadership at district and local levels in reducing risks and impacts. Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Chm. Dr. Mazlin bin Mokhtar was leader of several United Nations-sponsored research projects, which include the AP-FAST (Acceleration of Science and Technology; and MUCP (Malaysia UNESCO Cooperation Program) in Malaysia and Asia Pacific; also as leader of Environmental Risk Management group under Malaysia Vice Chancellors’ Council & Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS)+Kyoto University 2000-2018 program. Mazlin was a founding member of Malaysian Water Partnership (MyWP), and former Country Manager of MyCapNet (Capacity Building for IWRM). He’s now also a member of the Advisory Committee of the Sime Darby Chair on Sustainability, and Member of the Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Higher Education’s University-Industry Research Consortium on Karst Landscape Research, Malaysia. Mazlin is also appointed as an Advisory Member of the Malaysia Productivity Corporation’s Tourism Productivity Nexus on Sustainable Practices.

3. 1st International Symposium on Solar H2 (SSH2024)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) through The Solar Hydrogen Research Group, Fuel Cell Institute–Higher Education Center of Excellence (HICoE) UKM in collaboration with Malaysian Association of Hydrogen Energy (MAHE), successfully organized the 1st International Symposium on Solar Hydrogen (SSH2024) on 9–10 September 2024 with the theme ‘Towards Green. The symposium, which gathered over 100 participants, was held in person and focused on the integration of solar and hydrogen technologies, particularly in the areas of materials and system innovation.

The event brought together scholars, researchers, industry experts, and students to exchange knowledge and ideas on sustainable and renewable energy solutions. Through discussions on topics such as solar hydrogen systems, hydrogen technology, materials, life-cycle analysis, and green economy, SSH2024 served as a dynamic platform for cross-sectoral dialogue related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The symposium fostered international collaboration, inspired new research partnerships, and promoted innovative pathways toward cleaner energy transitions, reinforcing UKM’s active role in advancing sustainability discourse and contributing to global efforts in achieving the SDGs through scientific innovation and policy dialogue.

Here are the speakers and their titles of the symposium:

Speaker	Title
Plenary Presentation
Prof. Dato’ ChM. Dr. Mohammad B. KassimDepartment of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Scienceand Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia	Solar Hydrogen: Current Status, Challenges,Opportunities and Future Direction for GreenHydrogen Production Mohammad B. Kassim, graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry with Energy & Fuel Science in 1992 from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada and Master of Science (Chemistry) in 1996 from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He was conferred a PhD (Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry) by University of Bristol, UnitedKingdom in 2004. Currently, he serves as Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the Department of Chemical Sciences, UKM. He was appointed as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International Affairs) from the 3rd of May 2021 to 2nd of May 2024. He was also appointed as the Chair for the Malaysia public university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor/Reactor for Academic Committee for (2024-2024). Previously, he served as the Dean for the Faculty of Science and Technology (2018 – 2021), Deputy Executive Director (Academic & Research) (2014 – 2017), Strategic Centre UKM. He has also been appointed as a Visiting Professor at University of Tsukuba (2019), Specially Appointed Professor at Osaka University (2018), Visiting Professor at Gifu University (2017), and Visiting Researcher at the University of Sheffield (2011). He specialised in coordination chemistry, molecular electronics, photoelectrochemistry, and conversion & utilization of CO₂. Currently, he is the founder and leader for Solar HydrogenResearch Group.
Dr. Eng. Deni Shidqi KhaerudiniResearch Group of Materials for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Research Center for Advanced Materials, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.	Ferrites in Energy Conversion Innovations: Breakthrough in Fuel Cells and PEC Water Splitting Deni Shidqi Khaerudini, a Research Professor at the Research Centre for Advanced Materials, earned his PhD (DrEng.) from Hirosaki University, Japan, specializing in high-temperature fuel cell (SOFC) cathode materials. Following his graduation in 2016, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), focusing on similar area of SOFCs cathode, specifically on nano manufacturing of vertically alignment cathode based on PLD. His research spans advanced material development for eco-friendly energy conversion, storage, low-carbon technologies, and management. He has authored over 200 papers in indexed journals, accumulating over 1012 citations and an h-index of 16.
Keynote Presentation
Dr. Viet Huong Nguyen,Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering,Phenikaa University, Hanoi, Vietnam	Potential of Atomic Layer Deposition Improving Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Viet Huong Nguyen earned a B.S. in Materials Science from the National Institute of Applied Science of Lyon, France, in 2013, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from the University Grenoble Alpes, France, in 2018 (awarded the Best Ph.D. Thesis Prize by the French Chemical Society, Solid State Chemistry Division). Following this, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Laboratory of Materials Science and Physical Engineering (LMGP, CNRS) in Grenoble, France. Since August 2019, he has been a member of the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering at Phenikaa University, where he currently serves as Vice Dean. His research focuses on the synthesis, surface engineering, and processing of nanostructured materials using Atomic Layer Deposition, with applications in flexible electronics, energyconversion, and storage.
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Lim Kean Long Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia	From Storage to Catalysis: The Versatility of Metal Hydrides in a Hydrogen Economy Kean Long Lim is a Senior Research Fellow and Associate Professor at the Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). A registered Professional Technologist with the Malaysia Board of Technologists, Dr. Lim holds a Bachelor and Master of Chemical Engineering from UKM and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of New South Wales, Australia. His research focuses on electrocatalysts, hydrogen storage materials, fuel cell membranes, and renewable energy systems. He has lednumerous research projects, published widely in international journals, and contributed to drafting technical codes for hydrogen storage in Malaysia. Dr. Lim has received several awards, including the MEXT Nuclear Researchers Exchange Program Fellowship from Japan and the UAiTED Faculty Exchange Scholarship from Taiwan. He has also been appointed as a Subject Matter Expert for the MyNet Zero Emission Roadmap 2050 by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and served as an international grant evaluator for EPSRC in the UK. Dr. Lim’s expertise in chemical engineering and materials science positions him as a key contributor to Malaysia’s sustainable hydrogen economy transition.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rafiziana Md. KasmaniDepartment of Energy Engineer, Universiti TeknologiMalaysia.	Research and Development of HydrogenEnergy Safety Rafiziana is a senior lecturer at the Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Completed her PhD in 2009 at University of Leeds, UK, specializing in vented explosions. The main research focus is on fire engineering, gas and dust explosion by studying a series of methodologies for classifying flame acceleration and potential detonation hazard in chemical process industrial, including mixtures of different sensitivity. She managed to secure research grant with a total of more than RM2 million to date and published over 100 papers at the international and national levels in refereed journals and proceedings. For supervision, 5 PhD and more than 10 Masters has successfully graduated under her supervision with total current students of 2 PhD and 1 Masters. She also secured AUN-SEED Short-term Research Program in Japan (SRJP) JFY 2015 in University of Tokyo and a recipient of Fulbright Malaysian Scholar Program for 2017/2018 in University ofMaryland, USA for six (6) month and selected as one of the recipients of Erasmus+ Mobility Staff Program in 2017 in Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). Through her experiences and expertise in Fire and Explosion engineering, Rafiziana has the opportunity to participate as a speaker in a variety of related courses, conferences and workshops and was invited as a keynote speaker at several internationalconference platforms.
Prof. Ir. Dr. Chong Meng NanSchool of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia(MUM)	From Sunlight to Hydrogen: State-of-the-Art Advances in Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting for Sustainable Green Hydrogen Production Professor Ir. Dr. Chong has over 18 years of experience in academia, research, consultancy, and editorial work. His Ph.D. research, part of an ARC Linkage project, explored solar photocatalysis for reusing treated sewage effluents in South Australia. Before completing his Ph.D., he worked as aResearch Scientist at CSIRO, leading urban water projects in Southeast Queensland. He later joined Monash University Malaysia (MUM), where he advanced from Senior Lecturer to Professor and now serves as Director of the Centre for Net-Zero Technology. He has secured over RM 20 million in research funding and received numerous awards, including the Royal Society of UK Newton Advanced Fellowship and recognition as a Top Research Scientist Malaysia. Ranked among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University from 2020 to 2023, Professor Chong is committed to fostering new research ideas and collaborations to drive innovation.
Invited Speaker
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lorna Jeffery MingguFuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia	Effect of Electrodeposited Cu₂O on Copper Foam Photoelectrodes for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Lorna Jeffery Minggu (PhD) is an Associate Professor at Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She obtained her BEng in Chemical Engineering from UMIST, United Kingdom (now Manchester University), followed by her MSc and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She is the head of the Photoelectrochemical Lab where she leads research in the development of advanced materials and systems for solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production. Her research focused on the development of photoelectrocatalysts and photoelectrode materials for PECwater splitting, green hydrogen and solar fuels production, and also solar-driven environmental applications. Her research also includes the development of PEC cells and theintegration of the PEC system. She has successfully completed several projects that have resulted in variousjournal publications. She is also the coordinator and lecturer for the Hydrogen Energy course in MSc and PhD programs at the institute.
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Lai Chin WeiNanotechnology & Catalysis Research Centre, University of Malaya (UM)	Hydrogen Production Using 1D Modified TiO₂-Based Photocatalysts Dr. Lai [PhD, BEng(Hons) | PEng, PTech, CEng (UK), MIEM, MIMechE (UK)] is currently an associate professor in Nanotechnology & Catalysis Research Centre, University of Malaya. Lai’s main research interests are in the areas of chemically modified metal oxide photocatalysts, functionalized nanomaterials/ nanocomposite and carbon graphene materials, especially in environmental pollution management and energy storage technology. As a scholar and an indication of the global impact of research work, Lai’s works have been published in more than 300 refereed international top-tier journals with Scopus h-index of 45, 100 book chapters, and 100 international proceedings in materials science, physics, chemistry, and renewable energy research. Through his work nanomaterials and catalysis field, Lai was awarded as APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE) 2023 National Winner, IMechE Best Young Member Award 2022, JCI TOYM – Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians 2021 (Academic Leadership and Accomplishment), National Young Scientist Award 2019 by The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC), MASS Young Researcher Award 2018 by Malaysian Solid State Science & Technology Society (MASS), a finalist of National Young Scientist Award 2018 by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI) and University of Malaya Excellence Awards 2015 in the category of outstanding researcher – UM Young Researcher (Sciences Discipline).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Fairus Mohd YusoffDepartment of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.	Exploring Bismuth Ferrite Nanostructures for Effective Photocatalytic and Adsorptive Dye Degradation Siti Fairus received a Bachelor of Science (Pure Chemistry) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (2007) and a Doctor of Philosophy in the same field from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom (2011). Currently, she is a senior lecturer at Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Her research focuses on the development of polymer and inorganic materials for different applications, such as wastewater treatment, agriculture, and biomedicine.
ChM. Dr. Mohamad Azuwa MohamedDepartment of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.	Inorganic Modulation of g-C₃N₄ Photocatalysts for Enhanced Solar Fuel Generation Mohamad Azuwa Mohamed is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, UKM. He received his Bachelor of Science (Industrial Chemistry) and Master of Engineering (Gas) degree from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 2010 and 2015. In 2019, he obtained his Ph.D in Hydrogen Energy from UKM. He stands at the forefront of cutting-edge research on the intersection of photocatalysis, renewable energy, and environmental chemistry, addressing critical contemporary issues, by making substantial contributions that have garnered international acclaims. He gained recognition as the World Top 2% Scientists by Elsevier BV and Stanford University for four consecutive years starting from 2019 to 2022. He has pioneered the development of bio-templated 3D porous microtubular Cdoped g-C₃N₄, dan has set the trend to revolutionise the field of photocatalysis. In 2018, he received the Australian government’s prestigious award under the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowship at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. In 2019 and 2023, he was one of the UKM Bitara Awards (Articles in Journal) and UKM Excellent Service Award recipients. In 2023, he received a prestigious Malaysia Young Scientist Award 2023 (Physical Science) from the Ministry of Science, Technology, & Innovations (MOSTI) as recognition of his excellence in scientific research & development.
Dr. Khairul Naim AhmadDepartment of Chemical and Process Engineering,Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia	Formic Acid Decomposition into Hydrogen Using Graphitic Carbon Nitride Supported Palladium Catalyst Dr. Khairul Naim Ahmad is a lecturer in the Department of Chemical & Process Engineering at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from UKM, where he also earned his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Dr. Khairul Naim completed his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Spain. His research primarily focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, process simulation, and CO₂ valorization, contributing to advancements in these critical areas of chemical engineering.
Dr. Norafneeza NorazharDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Faculty ofChemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti TeknologiMalaysia (UTM)	Accident and Consequences Modelling forHydrogen Storage in Stationary and Mobile Dr. Norafneeza is also a research fellow at the Center of Hydrogen Energy (CHE) of Institute of Future Energy. She completed a postdoctoral program at Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Centre, Texas A&M University in 2023 under supervision of Professor Dr. Faisal Khan. The field of study is human factors, safety, and risk assessment for the process industry. She taught courses of process safety, risk assessment, and human factors to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. In 2023, Dr. Norafneeza Norazahar received a research funding from the Ministry of Higher Education for a project entitled ‘Correlating the chemical degradation and the ageing phenomenon of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis using Bayesian structural equation modeling’. She wrote articles and published them in reputable journals; Safety Science, Process Safety and Environmental Protection (PSEP), and International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (IJHE).
Dr. Chua Yong ShenSchool of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia(USM)	Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Hydrides for Reversible Hydrogen Storage  Chua Yong Shen received his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry at the National University of Singapore in 2011 under the supervision of Prof. Chen Ping. After graduation, he joined Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. During his postdoctoral research, he visited the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for 10 months as a Guest Researcher. He is currently serving as a senior lecturer at the School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and was recently appointed as a visiting professor at Guilin University of Electronic Technology, China. His current research interest focuses on various hydrides for hydrogen storage, including metal hydrides, chemical hydrides, hybrid organic−inorganic hydrides and liquid organic hydrogen carriers. He has led several research projects funded internally and externally. He has published more than 40 articles with a total citations of 2700.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norashikin Ahmad Ludin Solar Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.	Levelized Cost Analysis of Solar Hydrogen Production Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norasikin Ahmad Ludin holds a PhD in Chemistry (Solar Photovoltaic Technology) from the University of Wales, UK, and is currently an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Solar Energy Research Institute, UKM. With over 20 years of experience in renewable energy (RE), her expertise includes advanced materials for solar photovoltaics and impact analysis of these technologies. Her research also covers RE policy, life cycle assessment, and end-of-life management of solar PV. Dr. Norasikin has published over 100 high-impact papers, led international and national research projects totaling USD 2.5 million, and supervised more than 40 postgraduate students. She has served as a Visiting Professor at Claremont McKenna College, USA, and a Visiting Researcher at Tokyo University of Science, Japan. Her engagements include roles with ASEAN COSTI, MITI, and ERIA, and she is a Certified Energy Manager under ASEAN Centre of Energy. Recently, she completed an Executive Education in Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies at Cambridge University, UK
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rozan Mohamad Yunus Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.	Physicochemical and Electrocatalytic Properties of NiMoO₄/Ni in AEM Water Electrolysis Dr. Rozan Mohamad Yunus is an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Material Science from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2005 and 2011, respectively. She then completed her Ph.D. in Material Engineering at Kyushu University, Japan, in 2016. Dr. Rozan’s current research interest is the development of advanced materials, such as electrocatalysts and photoelectrodes, for water splitting and the green hydrogen production. Her innovative work has garnered significant research funding from both government and industrial sources, strengthening her contributions to this field. As a project leader, she has successfully managed government and industry grants related to hydrogen energy, totalling RM 4.1 million between 2016 and 2024. Beyond her research endeavours, Dr. Rozan is an active member of the Malaysian Association of Hydrogen Energy (MAHE) and the Malaysia Solid State Science and Technology Association (MASS). Her involvement in these organizations underscores her commitment to advancing the field of hydrogen energy and materials science in Malaysia.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Haida binti Mohd Kaus School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia.	Advanced Ternary Photocatalyst: Ce-Doped Bi₂O₃ Integrated with Biochar for Enhanced Tetracycline Degradation Dr. Noor Haida Mohd Kaus is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. She earned her BSc in Applied Chemistry (2005) and MSc in Advanced Materials (2008) from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, and her PhD in Chemistry (2012) from the University of Bristol, UK. Internationally recognized in Nanomaterials and Photocatalysis, her research focuses on sustainable nanomaterials for environmental remediation and energy generation. She has supervised 7 PhD and 12 Master’s students, published over 80 ISI journal articles with an H-index of 24 (WoS) & 25 (Google Scholar), and received more than 6000 citations. Dr. Haida has led 10 research projects, including 3 international grants, and co-investigated 25 others, totaling RM3.5 million (USD 700,000). Her team developed a composite photocatalyst for water treatment and a cost-effective catalyst for biodiesel production. She serves on evaluation panels for national and international grants and has been a keynote speaker at numerous conferences. Her work has earned several innovation awards and international recognitions, including a Cross-Appointment as an Associate Professor at Nagaoka University of Technology, Japan (2016-2026). Dr. Haida is actively seeking collaborators and students in photocatalysis, wastewater treatment, bioactive nanocolloids, and photofunctional materials.
Dr. Sharifah Najiha Timmiati Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia	Heterogeneous Catalysis for CO₂ Conversion into Chemicals and Fuels Sharifah Najiha is a research fellow at the Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry in 2009 and her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2014, both from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Her current research focuses on developing and modifying novel catalysts for CO₂ conversion and utilization, hydrogen production and storage, as well as fuel cell applications.
Dr. Nabila A Karim Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia	Enhanced Bimetallic Alloy Catalysts: A DFT Study on Structural, Electronic, and Adsorption Properties Nabila A Karim is a seasoned research fellow at the Fuel Cell Institute of the National University of Malaysia, where she has been a pivotal figure since 2017. With a Ph.D. in Fuel Cell Engineering, Nabila’s research is deeply rooted in Density Functional Theory (DFT) and computational modeling, areas in which she has made substantial contributions. Her expertise lies in using DFT to investigate the electronic properties and catalytic behaviors of advanced materials, which are crucial for enhancing the performance of fuel cells and other energy conversion technologies. Nabila’s work focuses on the theoretical analysis and modeling of catalytic systems, providing insights into the fundamental mechanisms that drive reactions at the molecular level. This approach has allowed her to design and optimize new catalysts with improved efficiency and durability, particularly in applications related to hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies. Her research not only advances the understanding of catalytic processes but also guides the experimental development of materials, bridging the gap between theory and practical application.

4. Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024

The Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024 (GSDC 2024) was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 10–13 June 2024. Hosted by Times Higher Education (THE) in collaboration with Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research & Innovation, the congress brought together over 3,000 delegates from universities, governments, businesses and civil society worldwide.

A delegation from UKM comprising Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud, Dr. Lim Kar Keng, Mrs. Nor Saribon binti Ramli and Mrs. Noor Elfina binti Ismail actively participated in the congress to demonstrate UKM’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to enhance the university’s global engagement in research, innovation and sustainability.

By joining GSDC 2024, the UKM delegation also engaged in cross-sectoral dialogues on the SDGs with leading universities and global stakeholders, exchanging insights and best practices on advancing sustainable development through education, research and institutional collaboration. This participation further reinforces UKM’s role as a key contributor to global sustainability discourse and partnership-building.

5. Integrated Water Research Synergy Consortium (IWaReS)

The Integrated Water Research Synergy Consortium (IWaReS), a Research Excellence Consortium (KKP) in the water niche under the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), led by the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and joined by the Water Research Unit (WRU), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Marine Research Station (MARES), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, successfully organised a Water Seminar in collaboration with the Malaysian Water Partnership (MyWP) from 28 June to 1 July 2024.

The seminar was attended by key stakeholders including PETRA, SPAN, JPS, LUAS, Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah representatives, and FLAG, who engaged in in-depth discussions on issues related to water quality, quantity, and water-related disasters.

6. 14th International Symposium of Health Sciences (i-SIHAT 2024)

The 14th International Symposium of Health Sciences (i-SIHAT 2024), organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), was held on 4–5 September 2024 at the Zecon Hotel, Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Aishah Rohani (formerly HPKK – Children’s Specialist Hospital) in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. With the theme “Nurturing Global Wellness: Towards Flourishing Sustainable Health,” the symposium brought together interdisciplinary health experts, researchers, practitioners, and students to strengthen knowledge exchange and promote global collaboration in advancing public health, healthcare innovation, and sustainable health systems.

This prestigious symposium featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Adjunct Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr Zulkarnain Ismail, Managing Director and Founder of WQ Park Health & Rehabilitation Centre, as the Public Keynote Speaker, and Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr Lokman Saim, Vice-Chancellor of KPJ Healthcare University, as the Emeritus Keynote Speaker. Their keynote addresses focused on advancing rehabilitation medicine, clinical innovation, and leadership in modern healthcare systems.

i-SIHAT 2024 offered multiple participation opportunities including oral presentations, poster presentations, young investigator sessions, and general attendee engagement, fostering academic dialogue and mentorship. The scientific programme encompassed five research tracks, namely:

1. Integrative & Innovative Approaches in Diagnosis, Treatment & Investigation
2. Bio-Eco Health Nexus: Exploring Interconnections for Global Wellness
3. Advancements in Rehabilitation Across the Ages
4. Empowering Communities for Healthy Aging: Strategies for Prevention and Well-Being
5. Ahead of the Curve: Detecting and Preventing NCD Risk Factors for Healthy Living

Through its knowledge-sharing platform, i-SIHAT 2024 reaffirmed UKM’s commitment to advancing health sciences, fostering innovation and research excellence, and shaping evidence-based policies and practices to improve global health and community well-being.

7. i-Sihat 2024 Pre-Conference Workshop: Empower 2024

As a flagship programme leading into the 14th International Symposium of Health Sciences (i-SIHAT 2024), the EMPOWER 2024 Pre-Conference Workshop, themed “Revitalising Rehabilitation in Ageing and Wellness,” was successfully conducted on 29 August 2024 in hybrid mode at the eSeminar Room BSD 04 & BSD 05, Block D, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur City Campus. The workshop was spearheaded by the Geriatric Rehabilitation and Wellness Research Group under the Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM, highlighting the university’s commitment to strengthening capacity building in healthy ageing, rehabilitation sciences, and evidence-based geriatric care.

The programme brought together global experts in rehabilitation, featuring distinguished plenary speakers Prof. Ian Cameron and Prof. Susan Kurrle from The University of Sydney, renowned for their expertise in dementia rehabilitation, multidisciplinary geriatric care, and intergenerational healthy ageing programmes. Their sessions emphasised the critical importance of rehabilitation in supporting functional independence, reducing fall risks, enhancing psychosocial engagement, and improving health-related quality of life among the elderly.

Participants benefited from hands-on clinical workshops focused on core geriatric assessment domains, including:

• Nutrition Assessment for Older Adults
• Cognitive Assessment for Older Adults
• Physical Assessment for Older Adults

The full-day workshop also included keynote presentations, interactive demonstrations, and practical training aligned with current best practices in gerontology, rehabilitation, and community health. Through knowledge transfer, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technical upskilling, EMPOWER 2024 provided an essential platform for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and students to strengthen competencies in elderly care and rehabilitation science.

This initiative underscores UKM’s leadership in advancing healthy ageing research and contributes directly to national ageing preparedness efforts. It aligns with global priorities for ageing populations and supports Malaysia’s agenda in advancing geriatric services, professional preparedness, and sustainable long-term care systems.

8. The International Symposium on Synthetic Biology and CRISPR Technology 2024 (iSynBioCT 2024)

The International Symposium on Synthetic Biology and CRISPR Technology 2024 (iSynBioCT 2024) is the second series of symposium on synthetic biology and CRISPR technology (First held in 2022) organized by INBIOSIS, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). This symposium aims to build a stronger INBIOSIS research network with Asia Pacific countries. iSynBioCT 2024 will be jointly organized with the Malaysian Society of Systems Biology and Biosynthetics (MyBIOSS). This international symposium is organized in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including Goal 2 (Zero hunger), Goal 3 (Good health and well-being for people), Goal 14 (Life below water) and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

During this symposium, UKM through INBIOSIS had launched Malaysia’s first integrated biofoundry, marking a historic milestone in advancing cross-sector partnership and national biotechnology capability. Held in conjunction with The International Symposium on Synthetic Biology and CRISPR Technology 2024 (iSynBioCT 2024) on 24 July 2024, the launch brought together government, industry, and academia — leveraging UKM’s systems biology platforms, contract R&D expertise, and collaboration with partners such as Petronas Research Sdn. Bhd. This strategic initiative strengthens Malaysia’s innovation and bio-economy ecosystem while fostering global scientific exchange. The programme clearly aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting cross-sector dialogue, technology transfer, and international science collaboration, positioning UKM as a key driver in unlocking sustainable biotechnological solutions for national and global benefit.

In 2024, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) demonstrably strengthened Malaysia’s SDG ecosystem by convening and contributing to high-impact, cross-sector dialogues that bridged universities, industry, government agencies, and civil society. Through platforms such as ICSREE 2024 (renewable energy transitions), STACLIM 2024 (science-led climate resilience; 80+ participants from 9 countries), the 1st International Symposium on Solar H₂ (SSH2024) (100+ participants advancing green hydrogen), the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC 2024) in Bangkok (3,000+ global delegates), the IWaReS Water Seminar (MoHE-led consortium engaging regulators and basin authorities), the i-SIHAT 2024 symposium and EMPOWER 2024 workshop (healthy ageing and rehabilitation), and iSynBioCT 2024 (where Malaysia’s first integrated biofoundry was launched by INBIOSIS), UKM translated research into actionable partnerships, policy-relevant insights, and technology transfer. Collectively, these forums advanced SDG 7, SDG 13, SDG 6, SDG 3, SDG 4 and—critically—SDG 17 by accelerating joint R&D, piloting frontier technologies (solar-hydrogen, synthetic biology), aligning curricula and workforce skills with the green transition, and deepening evidence-based dialogue with regulators (e.g., SEDA, SPAN, JPS, LUAS) and industry (energy, water, health). As a regional convener and technical partner, UKM’s 2024 agenda moved beyond awareness-raising to co-creation of solutions, laying groundwork for new MOUs, standards contributions, living-lab pilots, and multi-year collaboration pipelines that will scale measurable SDG outcomes nationwide.