ESTCON2024 encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines in innovation, engineering, science and technology.
THE World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress (ESTCON) returns, this time to Sabah, fondly known by its moniker, “The Land Below the Wind”.
For over two days, ESTCON2024 participants will not only discuss, share and network but also enjoy the best of the state’s tourism offerings, from diverse flora and fauna to distinct cultures and enthralling landscapes.
The eighth congress since its inception in 2010, this biennial event, organised by Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), is one of the university’s signature events that brings together local and international academia, researchers, industry players, policymakers and interest groups.
ESTCON2024 is centred around the theme of “Future Positioning through Sustainable Energy, Digitalisation, and Smart Community,” where it explores the intricacies of energy transition and transformation, and the fostering of sustainable living.
To be held from September 10 to 11 at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu, ESTCON2024 encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines in innovation, engineering, science and technology, particularly focusing on the domains of sustainable energy transition, digitalisation and smart community.
As with the previous edition, ESTCON2024 moves away from the more discipline-based outlook and is instead viewed against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This is also in tandem with UTP’s research themes of smart and sustainable living, sustainable energy, and emerging digital technologies.
While staying true to the Congress’ ethos – to serve as a platform for academics, scientists and industrialists over the world to share knowledge, insight and research, while fostering networking and intellectual discussions, this edition is also leaner and more targeted towards its theme.
ESTCON2024 has been streamlined from previously eight parallel conferences to five, namely International Conference on Decarbonisation Technology (ICDT), International Conference on E-Mobility (ICEM), International Conference on Environmental, Social and Governance (ICESG), International Conference on Smart Cities (ICSC) and International Conference on Subsurface Technology (ICSsT).
ESTCON provides participants with the chance to engage with industry professionals while delving into trends and insights on energy transition, sustainability, digitalisation and more.
UTP academic deputy vice chancellor and ESTCON2024 organising committee co-chairman Prof Dr Hilmi Mukhtar says: “We’re bringing the congress back in a big way for this edition; besides the topics that are very current and topical, the setting for ESTCON2024 in Sabah with all its edu-tourism offerings will also appeal to and attract both local and international participants.”
The papers presented at the multi-disciplinary congress, he adds, shifts away from exploratory research to the impact of research outcomes on society which delves into the implementation of policies on energy transition and energy transformation.
“More than the technologies, ESTCON2024 also looks at the enablers, so for example on ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) and how it is more than just about decarbonisation technology, we look at the various elements to tackle the issue holistically,” he adds.
Raising the bar
Presenting the keynote address at ESTCON2024 is Malaysia Petroleum Management senior vice president at PETRONAS, Datuk Bacho Pilong who will speak on “Navigating the Digital Frontier for Sustainable Energy Transition to Net Zero Carbon by 2050.”
The global Malaysian energy company has been an integral part of ESTCON2024; through the PETRONAS Group Technology Solutions, which is a member of the organising committee, this latest edition is decidedly more industry-driven and features more contemporary topics.
Meanwhile, Bursa Malaysia’s Group Sustainability director, Dr Ahmad Hezri Adnan, will deliver his keynote address entitled “Towards a Greener Future: ESG Integration in Investment and Business Practices.”
“We’re bringing practitioners from the industry and experts in their respective fields, such as Professor Dr Michael Celia who is an authority in climate change and Dr Jennifer Holmgren who is an expert in green technology and sustainability,” Hilmi says.
Celia, who is a professor at Princeton University and Holmgren, who is a chief executive officer of LanzaTech, are among the panellists of the forum on Aspiration to Action: Global Imperatives Towards Sustainability, which will be moderated by UTP vice chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib.
Hilmi adds that ESTCON2024 participants will also be able to hear from those who are leading the sustainability conversations and addressing the issues related to ESG, decarbonisation, green mobility, smart cities, subsurface technology within their respective organisations.
On e-mobility, for example, participants can gain greater awareness on developments in this field from energy and transport players such as Gentari Green Mobility chief operating officer Mohamad Haikal Zubir, electric vehicle maker Eclimo Sdn Bhd co-founder and executive director Datuk Dennis Chuah, and KTMB chief technical officer Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin.
ESTCON2024 will showcase a lineup of distinguished speakers, including academics, scientists, and industry experts representing various sectors.
Having successfully organised seven editions on ESTCON, including one virtual that coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, UTP is undeniably proud of its track record.
To date, some 6,000 conference papers have been presented and published with a total of 10,000 citations published. Participants have also gained invaluable insights from the leading lights of technology and engineering including futurists and even Nobel Laureates.
At ESTCON2024, researchers and industry practitioners can meet and interact with a globally diverse group of like-minded participants from the Asia, Middle East, North America, and Europe regions.
“This is the platform for them to network and collaborate, exchange ideas and research findings, and talk with excitement about the topics and issues. At UTP this is what we like to see, and we are happy to advocate this.
“We also hope that the local community in Sabah, whether students or home-based companies, take the opportunity to attend ESTCON2024 which is being held at their doorstep,” adds Hilmi.
Delegates to ESTCON will have access to all the conferences, including the keynote presentations, parallel sessions, forums and the congress exhibition. For non-presenter delegates, the registration fee is RM600.
In addition to being a presenter or participant, the organisers also welcome sponsors. With some 1,000 delegates expected, ESTCON2024 presents opportunities for prospective sponsors to raise their profile and that of their products and services.
The two-day congress is co-organised by Universitas Negeri Malang Indonesia, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, the University of Adelaide Australia, Vellore Institute of Technology India, Foundation University Islamabad Pakistan, Najran University Saudi Arabia, Taylor’s University, University of Nottingham, The Alliance of Government Linked Universities, and Borderless Intelligence Sdn Bhd.
ESTCON2024 is also a Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) claimable event with continuing professional development (CPD) points from the Board of Engineers Malaysia, Malaysia Board of Technologists, Construction Industry Development Board, and Board of Geologists.
To register for ESTCON2024, go to https://estcon.utp.edu.my/
