International Training for Novel Functional & Composite Materials 2025
The International Training for Novel Functional & Composite Materials took place from 21 October to 1 November 2025 at Bilik OBE, Administration Building, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The program gathered 23 lecturers from Northwest Minzu University (NWMU), China, with the aim of strengthening research capacity and fostering innovation in the development of advanced and functional composite materials. This international training provided a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise in nanotechnology, sustainable biopolymers, and advanced material processing techniques, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration in advancing green and sustainable technologies.
The Nanocellulose: Processing and Applications research team from UKM and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) was among the invited speakers for the program, delivering a series of lectures on biopolymer development, nanocomposite fabrication, and functional materials applications. On 22 October 2025 (Wednesday), ChM. Dr. Wan Hafizi Wan Ishak, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, UKM, presented a talk titled “Development of Conductive 3D Printed Biopolymers for Flexible Electronics.” His session focused on the integration of conductive fillers into biopolymer matrices for the creation of flexible and environmentally friendly electronic components, highlighting the synergy between 3D printing and sustainable materials innovation.
On 28 October 2025 (Tuesday), Dr. Noor Fadhilah Binti Rahmat, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physics, Pusat Asasi Pertahanan, UPNM, delivered a lecture titled “Biopolymers for Functionalized Additive Manufacturing.” Her presentation explored the use of biopolymer-based materials in additive manufacturing, with emphasis on structural modification and material design strategies that enhance performance and functional properties.
The program continued on 29 October 2025 (Wednesday) with two speakers from FKAB, UKM. Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shaiful Sajab, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, delivered his lecture on “Hydrogels: From Synthesis to Application.” He discussed the chemistry, structure, and multifunctional applications of hydrogels, showcasing their potential in biomedical and environmental fields. Dr. Wan Nazihah Liyana Wan Jusoh, Post-doctoral Researcher from the same department, complemented the session by sharing insights into the characterization and real-world application of hydrogels, highlighting the translation of fundamental research into practical innovations.
The active involvement of the Nanocellulose research team in this international training underscored Malaysia’s growing expertise and leadership in the field of advanced and sustainable materials. Their participation not only showcased UKM’s research excellence but also strengthened academic collaboration between UKM and NWMU. The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB) expressed appreciation to all participants, emphasizing that the program played a vital role in promoting knowledge exchange, research partnerships, and global scientific networking towards achieving a more sustainable technological future.
