Global Engineering, Technology Leaders To Gather In Penang For UTP's ESTCON2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) will bring together more than 1,000 delegates from over 20 countries for the ninth edition of its flagship World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress (ESTCON2026), to be held on Sept 8 and 9 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC).

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Datuk Chang Lih Kang will officiate the congress, which provides a platform to explore engineering-, technology-, and innovation-driven solutions to strengthen energy security, promote sustainable living, and support the regeneration of natural capital for long-term sustainable development.

UTP, in a statement today, said under the theme Technology, Resilience and Regeneration: Engineering Pathways to a Sustainable Future, ESTCON2026 will convene industry leaders, government representatives, policymakers, researchers and technical professionals to address some of the most pressing challenges shaping the future of societies and industries.

“Against this backdrop, ESTCON2026 provides a platform to connect research excellence with industry needs, advancing innovative and scalable solutions to the interconnected challenges of energy security, sustainable living and regenerative development.

“The programme will feature more than 30 internationally recognised speakers from academia, industry and government, alongside over 330 technical paper presentations covering key areas such as sustainable infrastructure, energy transition, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and advanced materials,” it said.

The statement said that central to the congress are three specialised international conferences: the International Conference on Sustainable Living (ICSL), the International Conference on Energy Security (ICES) and the International Conference on Regenerative Futures (ICRF).

“ICSL focuses on advancing resilient built environments, intelligent digital ecosystems and sustainable infrastructure that enhance quality of life and societal well-being. ICES examines pathways towards reliable, affordable and low-carbon energy systems through innovations in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy infrastructure and enabling policies.

“Meanwhile, ICRF explores integrated science, technology and policy pathways that restore ecosystems, regenerate natural capital and build resilient, regenerative futures for communities and industries,” it added.

Together, the conferences provide a multidisciplinary platform for exploring solutions across sustainable communities, resilient energy systems and regenerative development, while fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration to address today's complex engineering and sustainability challenges.

“The conference will also feature a Technology and Innovation Exhibition showcasing emerging engineering solutions, digital technologies and industry-driven innovations, while providing a platform for organisations to demonstrate cutting-edge capabilities, connect with potential collaborators and explore pathways for translating research and innovation into real-world impact,” it said.

Beyond its technical content, ESTCON2026 serves as a strategic forum for dialogue among industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and technology providers, enabling stakeholders to explore emerging opportunities, strengthen partnerships and shape pathways towards a more sustainable, resilient and competitive future.

UTP President Ir. Mohamed Firouz Asnan said this year’s ESTCON is purposefully designed around the grand challenges that will define the future of societies and industries, namely energy security, sustainable living and regenerative futures, reflecting UTP’s research excellence and commitment to advancing solutions that create meaningful economic, environmental and societal impact.

“By bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers and technology innovators, ESTCON2026 recognises that the complex challenges of energy security, sustainable living and climate resilience cannot be addressed by any single stakeholder group alone.

“Meaningful progress requires a whole-of-society approach that integrates research excellence, industry expertise, enabling policies and technological innovation,” he said.

He added that through this convergence of capabilities and perspectives, the congress aims to accelerate the development and adoption of solutions that create lasting impact and help build a more sustainable, resilient and future-ready world.

According to UTP, recognising the importance of broad stakeholder participation, ESTCON2026 welcomes Non-Presenter Delegates (NPDs), enabling engineers, business leaders, policymakers and government representatives to participate fully in the congress without submitting a technical paper.

“Through keynote addresses, technical sessions, panel discussions and the Technology and Innovation Exhibition, participants will gain access to the latest industry developments, technology trends and strategic perspectives shaping the future of energy sustainability and resource stewardship.

“NPD participants are eligible to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points recognised by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT). ESTCON2026 is also HRD Corp claimable,” it said.

To support broader participation, preferential registration rates are available for corporate groups, UTP Alumni, and active members of BEM, MBOT and the Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC).

Registration is now open, and walk-in registration is also welcome for NPDs. For registration details and the latest programme updates, visit estcon.utp.edu.my.

-- BERNAMA