NUS Distinguished Professor Strengthens Research Collaboration with UTM

JOHOR BAHRU, 3 March 2026 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) welcomed Prof. Antonio H. Castro Neto, Distinguished Professor from the National University of Singapore (NUS), in a visit that reinforced research collaboration in advanced materials and sustainable nanotechnology.

Hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano) under the Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR), the visit provided an opportunity for researchers from both institutions to exchange ideas and explore strategic collaboration in emerging materials research.

Prof. Castro Neto currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Advanced 2D Materials (CA2DM) and Co-Director of the Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials at NUS. Internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions in condensed matter physics and two-dimensional materials, he has consistently been ranked among the top one percent of the world’s most cited physicists. He was accompanied by Dr. Alexandre Lima, Senior Research Manager at CA2DM, during the visit.

During the visit, the NUS delegation held productive discussions with the CSNano research team led by Assoc. Prof. Dr Lee Siew Ling, Director of CSNano, focusing on potential joint research initiatives in advanced materials and sustainable technologies.

As part of the programme, Prof. Castro Neto delivered a scientific lecture titled “Old Materials, New Visions: Sustainable Approaches to Modern Challenges” at the Al-Razi Auditorium, Faculty of Science, UTM. The lecture attracted researchers, academics, and students from multiple faculties, highlighting the growing importance of advanced materials in addressing global sustainability challenges.

The visit also reflects UTM’s commitment to the UTM Ascend 2030 initiative, which emphasises collaboration with leading global researchers to advance impactful scientific innovation.

At the end of the session, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Assoc. Prof. Dr Shafinaz Binti Shahir, presented a token of appreciation to Prof. Castro Neto in recognition of his inspiring lecture and valuable knowledge sharing.

UTM and NUS expressed optimism that the visit will pave the way for stronger research and academic collaboration, particularly in the development of innovative materials and sustainable technologies that benefit both institutions and the wider scientific community.

                          Visit of Prof. Antonio H. Castro Neto and Dr. Alexandre Lima from the Centre for Advanced 2D Materials (CA2DM), NUS,
to the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano), UTM.

Prof. Antonio H. Castro Neto delivering the lecture
“Old Materials, New Visions: Sustainable Approaches to Modern Challenges”at the Al-Razi Auditorium, Faculty of Science, UTM.

Dean of the Faculty of Science, Assoc. Prof. Dr Shafinaz Binti Shahir presenting a token of appreciation to Prof. Castro Neto following the seminar.