UTM,HNNU Strengthen Research Collaboration through International Seminar on Sustainable Functional Materials and Nanoscience

HAIKOU, May 8 – The Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully organised the hybrid International Seminar on Sustainable Functional Materials and Nanoscience at the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CCCE), Hainan Normal University (HNNU), Haikou, China, from 7 to 8 May 2026.

The seminar was co-organised by the Hainan International Joint Research Centre of Marine Advanced Photoelectric Functional Materials (HIJRC-MAPFM) and the Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials (LTOFM) of Hainan Province, both based at HNNU, China. The programme served as a meaningful platform for knowledge exchange and research discussion in materials science, sustainable functional materials, nanoscience, optoelectronic sensors, and advanced photoelectric functional materials.

The international seminar brought together prominent researchers, academicians, and postgraduate students from Malaysia, China, the United States of America, Portugal, and France. The programme featured distinguished plenary speakers who shared recent developments and research perspectives across multidisciplinary scientific fields.

Among the highlights was a plenary talk by Prof. Dr. Chang Ming Li, a member of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc), who presented on “Advanced Batteries and Industrialization.” In addition, Prof. Dr. Daniel Scherman from the Centre for Health Chemistry and Biotechnology Society at Université Paris Descartes (UPD) shared his research findings on gene delivery vectors, further enriching the seminar’s scientific scope.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) of UTM, Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, also served as a plenary speaker. She delivered a talk entitled “Beyond Borders: How Global Collaboration Drives Innovation and Academic Excellence,” emphasising the importance of international collaboration in advancing innovation, academic excellence, and global research impact.

The seminar was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lee Siew Ling from UTM, with Prof. Dr. Wei Sun from HNNU serving as the vice-chair. Their leadership, together with the support of programme committee members from both universities, contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the seminar.

A research discussion session between UTM and HNNU researchers was also held during the programme. Through this session, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in joint research, postgraduate supervision, and joint publication.

The organisation of this seminar further enhanced the strategic research partnership between UTM and HNNU, particularly in sustainable nanomaterials, functional materials, and advanced photoelectric research. It also reflected UTM’s continuous commitment to expanding international research visibility, strengthening academic networks, and promoting impactful global partnerships.

Overall, the seminar marked another important milestone in the growing collaboration between UTM and HNNU. It is expected to create further opportunities for joint research activities, academic exchange, postgraduate engagement, joint publications, and future collaborative initiatives between the two institutions.

Dr. Li Hongji from HNNU presented his talk online

Prof. Wei Sun from HNNU delivered closing remarks.