Seberang Perai, 19 April – Politeknik Seberang Perai (PSP) has successfully hosted the International Conference on Research, Innovation, Sustainability and Education (iRiseCon 2026), bringing together academics, researchers, industry practitioners, and students from across the globe to exchange ideas, perspectives, and expertise.
The conference featured a diverse range of sub-themes, including Engineering, Digital Technology, Trade and Entrepreneurship, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Science and Mathematics, Social Sciences and Humanities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Green Sustainability.
To support this direction, an international collaboration initiative has been established, connecting Malaysia’s Politeknik Seberang Perai (PSP) and Politeknik Balik Pulau (PBU) with leading institutions in Indonesia, including Universitas Syiah Kuala, Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe, Universitas Muhammadiyah, and Sekolah Tinggi Teknik Iskandar Thani, as well as Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University in Türkiye. This collaboration focuses on advancing research, innovation, sustainability, and educational excellence through knowledge exchange, joint research networks, and the development of highly skilled and resilient graduates.
The conference welcomed 394 participants, featuring 241 paper presentations delivered both virtually and physically. Contributors represented Malaysia and Indonesia, alongside international participants from the Philippines, Iraq, and Brunei. Keynote speakers from India, Iraq, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia further enriched the conference with diverse global perspectives.
Aligned with Malaysia’s Rancangan Pendidikan Tinggi Malaysia (RPTM) 2026–2035, the conference supports the strengthening of international networks and drives innovation and sustainability through collaborative research. It also advances efforts in research, development, innovation, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship (RDICE) to better support national development and industry growth.
During the opening ceremony, YB Dato’ Dr. Mohamad bin Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Minister I of Penang, emphasised the importance of such platforms: “The importance of platforms like iRiseCon cannot be overstated. In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, innovation is the key to sustainable progress. By bringing together academics, industry leaders, researchers, and students, we create a space for dialogue, idea generation, and the development of practical solutions to real-world challenges.”
He further highlighted Penang’s commitment to innovation and research: “Penang continues to invest in initiatives that support innovation and research. From technology parks to educational partnerships and entrepreneurship programmes, our goal is to ensure that students, researchers, and professionals are equipped with the resources and opportunities needed to excel.” He also encouraged participants to actively engage, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections that may lead to future collaborations and impactful partnerships.
iRiseCon 2026 marks a significant step forward in strengthening international academic collaboration, while reinforcing Penang’s role in advancing innovation, research, and education towards a more competitive and inclusive future.
