Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) was honoured to host the 12th International Workshop on Advanced Science and Technology (AWIST 2024) from August 11th to 13th, 2024. Organized by the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics (FSKM), the event attracted leading scholars and researchers, all focused on explore the theme of “Sustainable Technology Innovations for Environmental Wellness”.
The conference was officially inaugurated by UMT Vice Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri bin Ibrahim, who emphasized the importance of global collaboration in his opening remarks. Attendees were treated to a unique demonstration of UMT’s sea turtle conservation efforts, showcasing the practice of relocating sea turtle eggs, along with a traditional martial arts performance by a UMT student, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the ceremony. The Dean of FSKM, Professor Ts. Dr. Suzuri Hitam, further underscored the significance of international collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges.
In collaboration with the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Universitas Komputer Indonesia (UNIKOM), AWIST 2024 welcomed participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and Uzbekistan. The event was further supported by sponsors Jasa Perkasa Security Sdn Bhd and Micro Ocean Enterprise, whose contributions played a crucial role in facilitating the event.
AWIST 2024 featured an array of distinguished speakers who offered their expertise on critical issues related to sustainable technology. Two keynote speakers, along with three invited speakers, set the tone for the conference with their thought-provoking presentations. Hybrid parallel sessions allowed participants to present their papers and engage in detailed discussions on a wide range of topics related to sustainable technology, offering an opportunity for researchers to share their findings and receive feedback from a global audience.
This year, UMT proudly marked a significant milestone by elevating AWIST to a conference. Previously, AWIST was primarily a workshop for researchers and scientists to network and discuss collaboration with key partners, including JAIST, UKM, and UNIKOM. This achievement reflects the dedicated efforts of the UMT team in organizing the conference, which successfully accepted 36 articles for publication in UMT Journal of Mathematics (JMSI) and UKM Asia-Pacific Journal of Information Technology and Multimedia (APJITM). This development has transformed AWIST into a larger platform with a substantial impact on the academic community. Participants hailed from universities such as UMT, UNIKOM, UKM, USM, JAIST, UMPSA, INTI International University, and Samarkand State University (Uzbekistan).
Beyond the academic sessions, participants had the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Malaysia through an excursion to Redang Island. As part of AWIST tradition, a Roundtable discussion was held on the island, allowing for a relaxed yet productive exchange of ideas. During this event, the baton for the next AWIST was ceremonially passed to Professor Hiroyuki Iida from JAIST, who will host AWIST 2025.
The success of the 12th AWIST 2024 at UMT is a testament to the university’s commitment to advancing research and fostering international collaboration in the field of sustainable technology. As the conference concluded, participants expressed their enthusiasm for continuing the work initiated at AWIST 2024 and looked forward to future opportunities to collaborate on innovative solutions for environmental wellness. UMT is honoured to have hosted this significant event and remains dedicated to contributing to global efforts in sustainable development.
The next edition, AWIST 2025, will be hosted by JAIST, continuing the tradition of advancing research and fostering international collaboration in the field of sustainable technology.