KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus was invited to attend two prestigious events in China in December 2024, namely the 2024 Roundtable for Young Scientists in Lancang-Mekong Region of the Tengchong Scientists Forum (TSF) and the International Symposium of ASEAN Countries on Biomass Conversion and its Applications.
The events were organised by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) respectively.
At the TSF roundtable, themed “Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Science”, Ts Dr Daniel Tan Lee Tung, Discipline Leader (Science) at Swinburne Sarawak, presented his research and shared an insightful overview of the university.
Ts Dr Daniel Tan shares his insights at the Tengchong Scientists Forum.
The TSF aims to advance the scientific spirit and foster dialogue between academia, industry and government, with particular emphasis on strengthening scientific cooperation between China and South and Southeast Asian countries.
Through the secretariats at CAST and CAS, it was possible to establish connections with China’s top universities. Among the key contacts engaged were three digital health and remote sensing experts from Tsinghua University, Yunnan University and Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture.
Fellow participants from Malaysia included professors and lecturers from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Xiamen University Malaysia and Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur.
Dr Tan, together with Swinburne Sarawak’s Deputy Head of School of Engineering and Science Ir Dr Chew Jiuan Jing, also presented at the International Symposium of ASEAN Countries on Biomass Conversion and its Applications at the Institute of Urban Environment (IUE), CAS in Xiamen, China. This marked the second visit since 2023 and Swinburne Sarawak’s third joint activity with IUE.
A group photo taken at the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Dr Chew and Dr Tan presented a talk entitled “Potential of Biomass Utilisation from Forestry and Agricultural Sectors for High-Value Products in Sarawak, Malaysia”. During their session, they shared about their research on top of insights on Swinburne Sarawak and biomass research and development in Sarawak.
Swinburne Sarawak’s participation strengthened ties with professors and experts from IUE, led by Professor Wang Yin. Dr Tan currently serves as the country collaborator in biomass research with Professor Wang and Dr Ivan Ho from the Alliance of Bioeconomy Community Development. Two biotechnology students who completed their undergraduate degrees at Swinburne Sarawak are also now pursuing their Master’s degrees at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) at IUE under the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations (ANSO) for the Belt and Road Regions.
Certificates of appreciation are presented to Ir Dr Chew Jiuan Jing (centre) and Ts Dr Daniel Tan (right) at the closing ceremony of the International Symposium of ASEAN Countries on Biomass Conversion and its Applications.
Swinburne Sarawak’s participation in both events further solidifies its commitment to driving impactful research and fostering global collaborations. By engaging with top academics and experts, the university continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable solutions and strengthening its ties with global research communities. These initiatives align with Swinburne Sarawak’s goal of contributing to the region’s scientific and technological development while addressing pressing global challenges.
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