Kuala lumpur: The World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress 2026 (ESTCON 2026) has strengthened its role as a platform connecting academia, industry, and government in addressing complex global challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) president Mohamed Firouz Asnan emphasized the increasing participation of non-academic sectors in the congress, highlighting the importance of collaboration in translating knowledge and technology into solutions beneficial to society. ESTCON 2026, held at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, attracted 1,014 delegates, including 146 international participants from 25 countries. Industry and government representatives accounted for about 40 percent of participants, while academia made up the remaining 60 percent.
Mohamed Firouz noted that universities, industries, and governments cannot work in isolation, as the development and deployment of technology require knowledge, investment, policy support, and public trust. Themed 'Engineering Pathways to a Better Future', the congress featured discussions on Energy Security, Sustainable Living, and Regenerative Futures, addressing interconnected issues such as energy transition, climate change, smart cities, and environmental sustainability.
ESTCON 2026 also saw the signing of seven memoranda of understanding (MoUs), while more than 20 exhibitors showcased their technologies and innovations. Brazil recorded the highest number of international delegates with 18 participants, followed by India and the Philippines with 16 each, and China and Indonesia with 12 each.
Mohamed Firouz pointed out the mutual dependency between businesses and universities, emphasizing that businesses need universities as a source of knowledge and technology, while universities require industry support through initiatives such as internships, job placements, and scholarships to develop future talent. This collaboration is especially crucial for emerging technologies like nuclear energy, where public confidence and understanding are key to successful deployment.
He stressed the need for deeper collaboration beyond the traditional triple-helix model involving academia, industry, and government, advocating for a quadruple-helix approach that includes society. He urged the academic community to push the boundaries of knowledge, particularly at the intersection of different disciplines, as many future innovations are expected to emerge from such intersections.
To industry partners, he encouraged bold innovation with a focus on creating long-term value and developing trusted solutions that can gain public acceptance. He also called on policymakers to create a conducive environment for industry to flourish and academic freedom to thrive, ensuring technological progress remains inclusive, ethical, secure, and beneficial to society.
The ultimate measure of ESTCON 2026, according to Mohamed Firouz, would be whether the ideas, partnerships, and innovations generated could contribute towards leaving a better world for the next generation. The two-day congress was officiated by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Chang Lih Kang, yesterday.