KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 – The IJN-UTM Research Convention 2025 concluded today, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s advancement of cardiovascular innovation, research excellence, and leadership development. Jointly organised by the National Heart Institute (IJN) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through the IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Centre (CEC), the two-day convention brought together researchers, clinicians, and institutional leaders to showcase collaborative outcomes and chart the future of medical technology-driven healthcare.
The convention began on 14 October with a Research Exhibition featuring 15 active research products developed through close collaboration between UTM engineers and IJN clinicians. Among the featured innovations were the Chitoe Vascular Patch/Graft, Peripheral Stent and RF-Induced Expandable Stent, Human Digital Twin for AI-driven treatment of circulatory diseases, RehabTrack 6-Minute Walk Test monitoring system, TROSTE teleoperated robotic system for echocardiography, low-cost Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), AI-powered Cardiac Risk Surgery Score, RFID moisture detection sensor for wound care, hydrogel for medical applications, portable 4-in-1 vital sign monitor, Mock Circulation System, Space Fontan Assist Device, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system for ICU rooms, web-based Integrated Research Management System (i-RMS), and the IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Centre platform itself. These solutions demonstrated the tangible impact of interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing real clinical needs while accelerating translation from lab to bedside. The Research Talk further enriched the programme with four major presentations on cardiovascular device innovation, diagnostic systems, and translational research strategies, providing insight into scientific progress and future industry potential.
On the same day, the Steering Committee Meeting served as a strategic platform to review achievements and plan forward-looking initiatives. Chaired by IJN Chief Executive Officer Adj. Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib and co-chaired by UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, the meeting brought together key decision-makers from both institutions. IJN-UTM CEC Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syafiqah Saidin presented the centre’s two-year performance review (2023–2024), which showed significant growth in publications, research grants, prototypes, patents, and co-authored clinical outputs. In his remarks, Dr. Ezani emphasised the need for greater involvement of clinicians in upcoming research projects to ensure outcomes that are practical, impactful, and market-ready. Prof. Shafry, meanwhile, underscored the importance of sustainability, stating that long-term partnerships and systemic continuity were vital to achieving national and global impact. The committee also explored the digitalisation of hospital operations, discussing data-driven tools to support faster, more accurate clinical decision-making.
The convention concluded on 15 October with a Leadership Talk entitled “Kepimpinan Data Raya dalam Membuat Keputusan,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry to IJN clinicians and UTM staff. In his keynote, he stressed that leadership is a responsibility rooted in integrity and wisdom, and highlighted three core pillars of effective leadership: credentials, clarity, and growth. He reminded the audience that every individual in an organisation contributes to excellence, reinforcing the value of collaborative culture. Expounding on the theme, he defined “Data Raya” as large, complex datasets that can be analysed to uncover patterns, trends, and strategic value. Prof. Shafry emphasised that data-driven leadership enables smarter decision-making, operational efficiency, predictive insight, and innovation across all levels of the organisation, particularly in the era of AI and digital transformation. “In today’s world, we cannot lead based on experience alone—we must lead with insight, evidence, and the courage to adapt,” he said.
Overall, the IJN-UTM Research Convention 2025 was more than a showcase of achievements; it was a reaffirmation of a powerful and unique academia–healthcare partnership. It demonstrated how engineering innovation, clinical expertise, policy alignment, and leadership development can be integrated within one strategic framework. Through this collaboration, IJN and UTM continue to position Malaysia as a regional leader in cardiovascular research and medical technology. The convention set a forward-looking agenda focused on expanding clinician involvement, scaling market-ready solutions, advancing AI and data-driven healthcare, strengthening sustainability, and investing in future leadership talent. As both institutions look ahead, they remain united in their shared vision: to shape the future of cardiovascular care, drive medical innovation, and deliver sustainable healthcare excellence for Malaysia and beyond.
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Source: UTM NewsHub