WAWASAN Open University (WOU) is set to host the 4th International Conference on Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics (ICiMR 2026) at its main campus in Penang on Nov 3 and 4.
The hybrid international conference is organised by WOU in partnership with Sunway University, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), with strong support from the Penang State Government through the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
The conference will feature keynote addresses, industrial roundtables, technical talks, and parallel research sessions focusing on smart factories, Industry 4.0 applications, AI-enabled manufacturing, cyber-physical production systems, and sustainable manufacturing.
Speaking at a press conference held at Komtar today, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that as the industrial ecosystem continues to move towards higher-value and technology-driven activities, the ability to adopt new technologies, develop specialised expertise and strengthen collaboration between industry and academia becomes increasingly important.
“The conference will bring together researchers, academics, engineers, subject specialists, technology developers and industry practitioners to examine how emerging technologies in intelligent manufacturing and robotics can be translated into practical applications that enhance productivity, operational resilience, quality, sustainability and workforce capabilities.
“Beyond the exchange of knowledge, ICiMR 2026 can also contribute to stronger research networks, new university-industry collaborations and the development of engineering and technology talent for the future. These connections are important as we prepare our workforce and institutions to respond to the changing demands of advanced manufacturing and the wider technology landscape,” Wong said.
Also present at the press conference were WOU chief executive and vice-chancellor Prof Dr Yap Eng Hwa, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) director Datuk Khoo Boo Lim, PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran, WOU acting deputy vice-chancellor (Academic) Assoc Prof Dr Sean Tan Koon Tatt, WOU School of Technology and Engineering Science acting dean Dr Mohd Hezri Marzaki, WOU School of Technology and Engineering Science deputy dean Assoc Prof Dr Lee Yong Siang, and WOU School of Technology and Engineering Science senior lecturer Dr Ong Teng Yeow.
Prof Yap emphasised that hosting ICiMR 2026 is highly significant as Penang continues to solidify its place in the global semiconductor value chain, helping translate academic laboratory findings into practical industrial applications.
While registration remains ongoing, organisers expect a strong international turnout of about 100 participants, based on previous editions.
“Penang is expanding into higher value capabilities such as IC design, validation, advanced packaging, semiconductor equipment, automation, and AI-enabled manufacturing, making it a highly relevant setting for international research and industry dialogue on intelligent manufacturing and robotics,” Prof Yap said.
“Through ICiMR 2026, Wawasan and our partners aim to strengthen the connection between research and industrial practice, encourage joint academic and industry initiatives, and support the development of solutions that contribute to more intelligent, resilient and sustainable manufacturing systems.”
Ashwin highlighted the evolving landscape of Penang’s business events, noting that sectors such as manufacturing, education, management, and technology have experienced significant growth, currently outpacing or matching traditional frontrunners like medical science and pharmaceuticals.
“This momentum builds on last year’s strong performance, where more than 3,000 business events/delegates were recorded,” he said.
The Conference Committee is inviting researchers, academics, postgraduate students, subject experts, engineers, and industry practitioners to submit original research papers, industrial case studies, technological evaluations, and scientific project findings by Oct 1.
Story by Sarbeyshwaran Rajalingam
Pix by Wook Sook Shyan