Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Drives Innovation with WattMEC 2025

21 April 2025

PUTRAJAYA: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, entirely driven by its students, convened over 200 students, academics, and industry leaders for the Watt Malaysia Exhibition and Conference (WattMEC) 2025, held on 9 and 10 April at its Putrajaya campus. This annual event, co-organised by the University’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) and the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure, and Society (EGIS), has become a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration.

Under the theme "Bridging the Future: Sustainability, Technology, and Beyond," WattMEC 2025 explored innovative solutions to global challenges through three transformative pillars: Sustainability (green infrastructure and sustainable materials), Technology (renewable energy and net-zero strategies), and Innovation (leveraging digitalisation and machine learning to reshape industries).

Designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, the event showcased how academic research can lead to real-world solutions. It served as a dynamic platform for fostering collaborations that are poised to shape the future of engineering, technology, and sustainability.

Keynote speaker Datuk Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, former CEO of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), addressed the urgency of adapting to rapid global change. “We are at a tipping point, witnessing a significant shift in the global economic epicentre. ASEAN is a burgeoning hub for digital ecosystems, prompting us to reconsider our views on engineering, sustainable development, resource preservation for future generations, and the utilisation of renewables and emerging technologies,” he remarked.

He further stressed the importance of collaboration: “In an increasingly volatile and uncertain environment, collaboration is essential for determining the path ahead. The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a roadmap for creating a sustainable future, requiring input and persistence from all. Conferences like WattMEC offer a vital platform for stakeholders to share insights and explore collaborations that can address challenges across technology and beyond.”

Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, stated, “WattMEC 2025 embodies our vision of creating a platform where innovation meets collaboration. By uniting students, academics, and industry figures, we aim to tackle global challenges through interdisciplinary dialogue and technological advancement.”

Building on this theme, Professor Syed Hassan, Head of EPS and EGIS, noted, “Our students are at the core of WattMEC’s success. This year’s event showcases their ability to bridge academia and industry by applying research to forge impactful solutions for a sustainable future.”

Dr. Nur Dalilla Nordin, Chair of WattMEC, added, “WattMEC is not merely about showcasing research; it is about igniting critical discussions that shape industries. This year’s emphasis on sustainability and innovation underscores our commitment to addressing real-world problems through collaboration.”

WattMEC 2025 featured insightful keynote sessions from industry leaders, including Datuk Ts. Mahadhir Aziz; Ir. Amir Farid Abdul Majid, Diagnostic Engineer at Baker Hughes; and Sr. Dainna Baharuddin, Director at Basar and Harun.

One of the highlights was the Forum Panel Discussion, “Shaping Futures: Integrating Technology, Sustainability, and Innovation Across Industries.” Experts from academia and industry, such as Associate Professor David Barron, Director of Research at the University; Azeem Abu Bakar, Managing Director of FMT News; Rozila Abdul Rahman, Director at Art Projeks; Ar. Dr. Serina Hijjas, Director at Hijjas Kasturi Associates; and Ir. Hong Wai Onn, Head of Sales at Novonesis, discussed how technology and sustainability are transforming industries. Their dialogue highlighted the urgent need for collaboration in addressing global challenges.

For the first time, WattMEC introduced Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation, endorsed by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). This milestone solidifies WattMEC’s role as a hub for professional growth, offering structured learning opportunities that support lifelong development. The CPD-accredited sessions not only enhance industry professionals’ skills but also highlight students' leadership in facilitating meaningful discussions that connect academia and industry.