The international community at TAR UMT.
TAR UMT welcomed researchers, academics and students from twenty-two countries and regions to the joint opening of the 11th International Conference on Civil Engineering and Materials Science (ICCEMS 2026) and the 9th International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology (ICNST 2026) on 15 – 19 July 2026. Bringing together experts from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, the conferences provided a global platform for knowledge exchange, research collaboration and the exploration of innovative solutions to address pressing engineering and scientific challenges.
Welcoming delegates from around the world, Vice President of TAR UMT, Assoc Prof Dr Chook Ka Joo said, “TAR UMT is truly honoured to host this distinguished gathering of brilliant minds. These conferences embody our Beyond Education philosophy, reflecting our belief that learning extends far beyond the boundaries of classrooms and laboratories, and does not end with the awarding of a degree. We are committed to transforming knowledge into meaningful impact by connecting higher education, pioneering research, industry and society. ICCEMS and ICNST are not merely platforms for presenting academic papers, but vibrant intellectual ecosystems where innovative ideas are exchanged, collaborations are forged, and research is translated into practical solutions that advance human society,” he said.
Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Conference Chair, Professor Zongjin Li of Macau University of Science and Technology, China, and Conference Chair, Professor William C. Tang of the University of California, Irvine, USA. Together, the conferences attracted strong international participation, with ICCEMS receiving 184 paper submissions and 92 presenters, while ICNST recorded over 116 submissions and 68 presenters. The diverse research papers presented spans engineering, materials science, nanotechnology and related disciplines, reflecting the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges.
The conference opening also featured keynote presentations by distinguished experts whose research showcased the breadth of innovation across engineering, materials science and biotechnology. Assoc Professor Yi Bao from Stevens Institute of Technology, USA, demonstrated how knowledge-guided data-driven approaches can accelerate the design of sustainable concrete materials and resilient infrastructure. Professor Ergun Kuru from the University of Alberta, Canada, shared how ageing and abandoned oil and gas wells can develop leaks that pose environmental risks. He highlighted research on improving the materials used to seal these wells, helping to prevent leaks and protect the environment. From a biomedical perspective, Professor William C. Tang presented an innovative retina-on-a-chip platform that enables the long-term cultivation of retinal organoids, providing a more stable physiological environment and advancing research into eye diseases and future therapies.
Throughout the conference, a wide range of research papers reflecting the latest developments in civil engineering, materials science, nanoscience and technology were presented. Topics included sustainable construction materials, structural and geotechnical engineering, smart infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy-efficient technologies, nanomaterials, quantum and nano-scale devices, biomedical applications, environmental sustainability, and emerging technologies driven by artificial intelligence and digitalisation. The diverse presentations highlighted innovative solutions to real-world challenges while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and inspiring new research partnerships across institutions and countries.
Five TAR UMT lecturers and two PhD candidates presented their research papers at the conference. Among them was Ts Br Ng Teck Wei, Associate Dean of the Department of Construction Management, Faculty of Built Environment (FOBE), whose paper, ‘Seeing More, Deciding Less? Digital Information Systems and Fragmented Authority in Construction Projects’, was co-authored with Ts Br Dr Lai Hai Chuan, Deputy Dean of FOBE. The presentation earned the Best Presentation Award, reflecting the University’s growing research excellence on the international stage.
The conferences also left a strong impression on the international delegates. Reflecting on his experience, Professor Ergun Kuru said, “It was a wonderful experience attending the conference at TAR UMT. The warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere made it a memorable event.” Echoing similar sentiments, Assoc Professor Yi Bao remarked, “I really enjoyed the conference. Everything was well organised, and it was great to connect with delegates from around the world.”
The successful organisation of ICCEMS 2026 and ICNST 2026 further reinforced TAR UMT’s position as a globally connected institution committed to advancing research excellence, fostering international collaboration and providing meaningful opportunities for academics and researchers to exchange ideas that contribute to sustainable development and technological innovation.
Conference Chairs, Keynote speakers and representatives from TAR UMT, taking a group photo.
Left to right:
1. Professor Xueyu Pang, China University of Petroleum (East China), China
2. Professor Nuno Dinis Cortiços, University of Lisbon, Portugal
3. Ts Dr Wong Wai Fang, Dean, Faculty of Built Environment, TAR UMT
4. Professor William C. Tang
5. Professor Zongjin Li
6. Assoc Professor Dr Chook Ka Joo
7. Professor Ergun Kuru
8. Assoc Professor Yi Bao
9. Ts Br Ng Teck Wei
10. Ts Br Dr Lai Hai Chuan
