On January 7, 2024, the International Undergraduate Research Conference 2024 (IURC2024) took place at Dewan Sultan Iskandar (DSI) in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The event was organized by the Office of Undergraduate Studies (UGS) at UTM and sponsored by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International). 250 UTM undergraduates and 27 students from other local and international universities attended the conference. It aimed to showcase the final-year projects of undergraduate students in various multidisciplinary fields through poster presentations. These presentations were assessed by a distinguished panel of academic and industrial experts. The Conference Chair Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Mazura Jusoh led the event with visionary leadership.
The Dewan Sultan Iskandar, a historic venue renowned for its architectural grandeur, provided a distinguished setting for academic discourse. Set against UTM’s academic legacy, the venue created an inspiring atmosphere for the exclusive exchange of ideas among undergraduate scholars. The conference was graced by the presence of Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, the Chair of UGS, who officiated the event, adding a meaningful touch to it. Her presence further emphasized the significance of the conference in showcasing the academic achievements of undergraduate students at UTM.
The conference was more than just a meeting of intellects; it was also a celebration of the completion of undergraduate studies. The students presented their final year projects through engaging poster presentations. These presentations were thoroughly evaluated by a panel consisting of 56 academic and 27 industrial experts. The panel provided valuable feedback and insights that will help shape the students’ future endeavors.
One of the most significant events during the conference was the keynote address delivered by the distinguished scholar in Civil Engineering, Prof Dr. Yahaya Nordin. The title of his address was “Transformative Innovation Technologies for Offshore Engineering,” and it was thought-provoking, setting the tone for the entire conference. His insights were inspiring, and undergraduate participants were encouraged to explore new frontiers in their respective fields. The keynote address was skillfully moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Zaki Yamani Zakaria facilitated a dynamic Q&A session, enabling participants to engage with the distinguished speaker directly.
The conference’s interactive format enhances the academic experience for attendees. Networking opportunities encourage students to connect with peers, mentors, and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and contributing to their academic and professional growth.
The IURC 2024 was an international conference that welcomed participants from various parts of the world, including Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Despite the geographical distances, the conference’s commitment to inclusivity was evident as international participants actively contributed to the academic dialogue through online presentations. This dynamic interaction not only expanded the conference’s reach but also facilitated cross-cultural exchange, fostering a global community of aspiring scholars. The insights shared by participants from other local universities in Malaysia and international universities further emphasized the conference’s dedication to creating a collaborative platform for the global undergraduate research community.
The conference maintained its organizational backbone thanks to a group of committed individuals forming a committee. This committee was made up of academic staff from various faculties at UTM and worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the event. Drawing on expertise from different disciplines, this diverse committee provided all participants with a well-rounded and enriching experience.
The event, known as IURC2024, served as a platform for the exchange of ideas and also recognized academic excellence through a distinguished awards ceremony. In total, 34 awards were presented, with 29 Best Undergraduate Research Awards given to outstanding contributions in various disciplines. These awards acknowledged the depth and quality of the research presented by undergraduate scholars.
In addition to these awards, the conference aimed to embrace inclusivity with the conferment of 5 People’s Choice Awards, which were determined by the votes of attendees and visitors. This unique category allowed participants to engage with a broader audience, emphasizing the significance of their research beyond the academic realm.
The awards ceremony added an exciting and celebratory dimension to the conference, highlighting the remarkable achievements of undergraduate students and fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie among the participants.
The event was a research symposium tailored for undergraduate excellence. The collaboration between the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) demonstrated UTM’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of global scholars. As the symposium concluded, undergraduate participants were left with a wealth of knowledge, new connections, and a shared commitment to advancing research on the international stage. It is believed that IURC 2024 will have a lasting impact on the academic landscape and set the stage for future editions of this exclusive research symposium.
Source: UTM NewsHub