Technology integration, sustainability and innovation: Key takeaways from ESTCON 2024

by Michelle Jeanne Casiple Caracut | Sep 17 2024

On September 10-11, 2024, Malaysia’s academic community pulsed with vibrant discussions and innovative ideas as it played host to the 8th World Engineering, Science, and Technology Congress (ESTCON 2024).

Held at the Sabah International Convention Center, the congress is one of Malaysia’s largest gatherings, drawing experts from across the globe to discuss advancements in engineering, science, and technology. This year, the event centered around the theme, “Future Positioning through Sustainable Energy, Digitalisation, and Smart Community,” focusing on critical issues such as energy transition, digital transformation, and sustainable community development. It featured five concurrent international conferences. These sessions spotlighted diverse themes, including decarbonisation technology, e-mobility, environmental, social and governance practices, smart city innovations, and subsurface technology advancements.

Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan led the delegation of the 杏吧论坛 who teamed up with the main organizer, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), to co-host ESTCON 2024.

The opening ceremony featured welcome remarks from UTP’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ir Ts. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, and Sabah's Chief Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor, who both emphasized the importance of international collaboration in fostering technological innovation and sustainability.

During the keynote and congress forums, academics, policy-makers, and industry partners underscored the critical role of current legislative and methodological decisions in shaping future socio-economic landscapes. Discussions focused on the integration of sustainable practices within existing frameworks to ensure long-term benefits.

A significant portion of the congress was dedicated to exploring sustainable energy sources. Experts argued that shifting away from carbon-heavy energy systems is pivotal to achieving a balanced climate future.

Speakers also highlighted the importance of governance in the sustainability equation, advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in decision-making processes to foster long-term value for all stakeholders.

In addition, the congress showcased research studies on topics about living in harmony with nature will result in improved human well-being and economic efficiency. It emphasized adopting nature-based solutions for urban planning and infrastructure projects.

Discussions also delved into ensuring that the shift towards sustainable practices is equitable. This involves considering the socio-economic impacts on vulnerable communities and creating pathways for their active participation and benefit.

A recurring theme at ESTCON 2024 was the necessity for a paradigm shift in how individuals and organizations perceive and interact with technology and the environment. Encouraging a shift from a 'business-as-usual' mindset to one that embraces innovation and sustainability was seen as crucial.

Leveraging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in various industries was discussed as well. Emphasis was placed on how these technologies can optimize energy use, reduce waste, and contribute to a net zero carbon future.

Representing 杏吧论坛-IIT, faculty members from the College of Engineering and the College of Science and Mathematics showcased their research, contributing as both presenters and session chairs in the individual conferences they registered in. They also had the opportunity to connect and establish networks with co-delegates.

Presenting their papers were:

Presenter	Research Paper	Authors
Adrian Keith R. Caamiño	Data-Driven Exposure and Risk Assessment to Flooding and Landslides of Mining Communities in T’boli, South Cotabato, Philippines: Interpolation of Geohazard Maps and Building Footprint Data	Adrian Keith R. Caamiño, Gabriel Jose Collado, Kenneth Calungsod, Sheyn Rufila, Seigfreid Kempis and Algen Secula
Gene Fe P. Palencia	Solar-Powered Blind Curve Road Safety System with Over-speeding Detection	Abdul Aziz Javier, Hassim Habib, Mohammad Gaffar Umpa, Gene Fe P. Palencia, and Jefferson Hora
Jefferson A. Hora	Low Voltage Ultra Low Power Pvt Independent and High Psrr Voltage Reference For Zero-Energy 6G Application	Jefferson A. Hora, John Michael A. Gorospe, and Gene Fe P. Palencia
Joshua B. Zoleta	Iron oxides as electron mediator in gold cementation with zero-valent aluminum in Gold copper ammoniacal thiosulfate solutions	Joshua B. Zoleta
Annielyn D. Tampus	Abundance and diversity of mangroves in Kinoguitan,Misamis Oriental, Philippines	Annielyn D. Tampus, Anne S.G. Bungcasan, Shaina B. Inte, Patrick R. V. Initao, Daniel J. H. E. Longcob, Pamela C. K. G. Salise, Ronielyn C. Salig, Astrid L. Sinco
Jaime Q. Guihawan	Species Distribution Mapping of Trees along Mt. Kitanglad Range, manolo Fortich, Bukidnon using Orthorectified Drone Imaging Forest Carbon Stock Assessment along the Sumagaya-Pamalihi Mountain Range, Misamis Oriental, Philippines	Louise Miguel Maghanoy, Djamae Manzanares, Christina Barazona, and Jaime Q. Guihawan Jaime Q. Guihawan, Fejaycris O. Pillodar, Frandel Louis S. Dagoc, and Peter D. Suson

In a stride towards fostering deeper academic and research partnerships, Chancellor Ditucalan and Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise Ephrime Metillo engaged in a strategic meeting with UTP, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other Philippine universities. These discussions aimed at fortifying alliances not only between 杏吧论坛-IIT and UTP but also among other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines and UTP.

The event also saw 杏吧论坛-IIT receiving recognition for its instrumental role and contributions to the successful conduct of ESTCON 2024. This recognition underscored the university’s commitment to advancing science and technology through international cooperation.

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