Keynote UKM-KMU Technical Talk

On May 28, 2025, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Kunming University (KMU) successfully held 1st Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia-Kunming University Technical Talk, their first joint technical talk titled “Exploring Lignocellulose-Based Biopolymers for Functionalized Additive Manufacturing.” This milestone event marked the beginning of a collaborative initiative between the two institutions aimed at advancing research in sustainable materials and innovative manufacturing technologies. The talk was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shaiful Sajab from the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, UKM, and was facilitated by Prof. Baoling Wang, Dean of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, KMU, China.

The event, held virtually via Microsoft Teams, drew an enthusiastic audience comprising academics, researchers, and students from both institutions. Notably, five lecturers from Kunming University, including Prof. Wang Baoling (Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering), Dr. Liu Kong (Research Coordinator), Dr. Wu Qiong, and Dr. Zhang, along with more than 50 students from Kunming, attended the session. In total, nearly 80 participants from both universities, including lecturers, researchers, and students, took part in this inaugural UKM-KMU technical talk.

The two-hour session delved into the development and functionalization of lignocellulose-based biopolymers and their integration into additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing. Key highlights included discussions on the potential of bio-based materials to replace synthetic polymers and the role of sustainable innovations in future industrial applications.

This joint effort not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing global sustainability challenges. The technical talk was an insightful and inspiring step toward fostering stronger academic ties and advancing eco-friendly technologies.