Kota Kinabalu: Nearly 200 material scientists, engineers and industry leaders from 13 countries gathered recently at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) for the 14th Asian-Australasian Conference on Composite Materials (ACCM 2026) to discuss sustainable solutions for composite materials at the end of their lifespan.
The four-day conference was hosted by Curtin University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Brunei.
Discussions centred on advancing global manufacturing towards bio-based, recyclable and longer-lasting composite material systems.
Organising Chair Dr Fethma M. Nor said the focus had shifted beyond making materials stronger and lighter to understanding their long-term environmental impact.
“We aren’t just looking at how to make materials stronger or lighter anymore; we’re asking what happens to them 20 years down the line,” she said.
She said bringing international experts together in Sabah enabled discussions to move beyond theory towards practical adoption to reduce the environmental footprint of future cars, aircraft and power grids.
The conference was supported by the Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) as part of efforts to position Sabah as a destination for international business events.
According to the organisers, international delegates made up 93 per cent of participants, with attendees travelling from South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and other countries.
The organisers said the conference contributed to hotel occupancy and local businesses, while delegates also laid the groundwork for the proposed Asean Society for Composite Materials to promote regional collaboration and joint research.
Outside the conference programme, 80 delegates joined a cultural tour to Mari Mari Cultural Village and visited landmarks including Tun Mustapha Tower and the City Mosque.
Many international participants also extended their stay to visit Mamutik and Sapi Islands, Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring and river cruise destinations known for proboscis monkeys and fireflies.
SCB Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman attended the conference gala dinner to welcome the delegates and acknowledge their contribution to scientific collaboration.
“It is an absolute privilege to welcome such brilliant minds from across the globe to Kota Kinabalu,” she said.
She said events such as ACCM 2026 demonstrated Sabah’s capability to host international scientific meetings while inspiring the local scientific community.
Looking ahead, Prof. Mariatti was named the incoming President of the Asian-Australasian Association for Composite Materials (AACM) for 2028.
The 15th Asian-Australasian Conference on Composite Materials will be held on Jeju Island, South Korea, in 2028.