by Prof. Ts. Dr Ali Selamat
Speaking in Nanjing, Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat presented UTM’s vision for transforming research excellence into technologies, partnerships and sustainable solutions that create meaningful value across China, Southeast Asia and beyond.
What gives research its true value? Is it the discovery itself, its publication in a respected journal, or the difference it eventually makes to industries, communities and everyday lives?
For Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), research excellence is only the beginning. Its greatest potential is realised when knowledge moves beyond the laboratory and becomes a practical solution to real-world challenges.
This message took centre stage during his keynote address at The 2nd China–Southeast Asia Kerry Youth Scientist Forum, held from 21 to 23 August 2026 at Nanjing University Business School in Nanjing, China.
Titled “From Research Excellence to Global Impact: Advancing Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Industrial Development”, the keynote presented UTM’s forward-looking approach to connecting academic discovery with innovation, industry and sustainable development. “Research reaches its true potential when it moves beyond the laboratory, supports industry and improves people’s lives” he said.
TURNING KNOWLEDGE INTO MEANINGFUL IMPACT
Prof. Ali introduced a transformative framework built around three interconnected elements: Research Excellence; Innovation and Technology; and Sustainable Industrial Development and Global Impact.
The journey begins with rigorous research that generates valuable knowledge. However, knowledge alone is not enough. Promising ideas must be developed into useful technologies, tested in real-world environments and prepared for adoption by industries and communities.
When this process is supported by strong partnerships, investment and commercialisation pathways, university research can contribute to economic growth while addressing environmental and societal needs.
UTM’s ability to advance this agenda is supported by a strong research ecosystem and an expanding international network. In 2024, 48 UTM researchers were listed among the world’s top 2% of scientists for single-year citation impact, while 23 researchers received recognition for their career-long achievements.
These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and influence of UTM research. More importantly, they provide a strong foundation for the University to convert internationally recognised knowledge into innovations that benefit society.
BRIDGING RESEARCH AND THE MARKETPLACE
One of the keynote’s central messages was the importance of bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and commercially viable solutions.
Many promising technologies do not reach the marketplace because researchers may lack access to industry partners, investors, business expertise or suitable mechanisms for scaling up their inventions. Prof. Ali therefore emphasised the need for universities to work closely with industries and establish spin-off companies capable of bringing research-based solutions to market.
He also highlighted the potential for UTM’s deep-technology innovations to be developed as business-to-business solutions for both ASEAN and Chinese markets. Such collaborations could support industries in reducing carbon emissions, improving operational efficiency and meeting the growing demand for sustainable products and services.
This approach ensures that research does not remain confined to academic publications. Instead, it becomes a driver of new businesses, quality employment, responsible industrial growth and shared prosperity.
UTM INNOVATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The keynote showcased several UTM innovations that demonstrate how multidisciplinary research can respond to global challenges. Among them were bioenergy technologies that support cleaner energy generation and graphene derived from palm biomass, which transforms agricultural material into a high-value advanced product. Other examples included silver-based nanocomposites, which have potential applications across different industries, and green geopolymer materials that offer more environmentally responsible alternatives for construction.
UTM researchers are also advancing artificial intelligence-powered smart energy management systems, enabling organisations to monitor and optimise their energy use more effectively. Meanwhile, the integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems can improve the reliability of renewable energy by storing electricity for use when it is most needed.
Although these innovations originate from different disciplines, they share a common objective: using research and technology to build cleaner, smarter and more resilient industries. “When knowledge is translated into action, innovation can drive industrial progress, protect the planet and deliver prosperity that is shared by all” he added.
CONNECTING CHINA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
The forum brought together distinguished scientists, young scholars, industry representatives and policymakers to exchange ideas on industrial innovation, green development, the digital economy, semiconductor technologies, green finance and sustainable regional prosperity.
UTM’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening international research partnerships and contributing Malaysian expertise to the wider innovation ecosystem. It also creates opportunities for researchers and industries in China and Southeast Asia to jointly develop, test and scale solutions that respond to shared regional challenges.
Concluding his address, Prof. Ali called upon young scientists, investors, policymakers and industry leaders to work together in moving successful green solutions from promising ideas to wider implementation. His message was clear ‘research excellence should not be measured only by what is discovered, but also by what that discovery makes possible’.
By connecting knowledge with innovation, industry and international collaboration, UTM is working to ensure that research creates lasting value—for the economy, society and the planet.
