Continuing its dedication to sustainable development and cutting-edge research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), in collaboration with the ASEAN University Network Southeast Asia Engineering Education Development Network (AUN/SEED-Net), hosted the International Conference on Engineering and Advanced Materials (ICEAM) 2025 on 14th–15th January 2025. Held at the Radisson Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, the conference adopted a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and virtual participation to foster greater global engagement.
The event was officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of UBD, Yang Mulia Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle, and attended by distinguished guests including the Ambassadors, representatives from AUN/SEED-Net, industry partners, UBD senior management, faculty, students, and delegates from the global engineering and materials community.
Under the theme Sustainable Engineering and Materials, the conference brought together over 100 researchers, scientists, and industry professionals from Brunei and across the globe, to discuss innovations in energy systems, artificial intelligence in engineering, circular economy practices, and renewable energy.
The event featured notable presentations, including a plenary session by Professor Dr John T.S. Irvine from the University of St Andrews, UK. Other distinguished speakers included Professor Dr Junji Inukai (University of Yamanashi, Japan), Dr Mahendra Rao Somalu (Lynas Rare Earths Ltd, Malaysia), and Professor Dr Asep Bayu Dani Nandiyanto (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung).
In her welcoming remarks, the Dean of Engineering at the Faculty of Integrated Technologies, Dr Juliana Haji Zaini, highlighted the significance of the conference theme, stating: “The theme ‘Sustainable Engineering and Materials’ underscores UBD’s commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. The sessions and discussions at this conference are designed to inspire actionable pathways to tackle these pressing issues.”
Speaking on behalf of AUN/SEED-Net, Professor Dr Kasem Choocharukul, Assistant Executive Director, emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing engineering and materials research, stating: “This event is a collaborative effort between the AUN/SEED-Net Regional Conference and one of our esteemed member institutions, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). ICEAM 2025 holds particular significance for AUN/SEED-Net, as it is an integrated, multidisciplinary academic forum that brings together research, industry and communities. UBD has been awarded the grant from the the AUN/SEED-Net, and I hope this will strengthen future collaborations between AUN/SEED-Net and UBD.”
ICEAM 2025 curated a diverse range of sessions focusing on sustainable materials, energy innovations, digital transformation, and carbon capture technologies. The conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration between academic researchers, industry experts, and practitioners. Discussions also centered on the latest developments in clean energy, artificial intelligence applications, and material innovations, further solidifying UBD’s role in driving sustainable engineering solutions.
Beyond advancing academic collaboration among ASEAN and international institutions, ICEAM 2025 supports the shared vision of ASEAN nations in fostering sustainable development and technological innovation through joint research and knowledge-sharing initiatives. This aligns closely with the UBD Sustainability Masterplan, which guides university staff and students in incorporating sustainability practices, research, and innovation that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; and SDG 13: Climate Action.
ICEAM 2025 exemplifies UBD’s ongoing commitment to fostering global innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in engineering and advanced materials research.
