Global Materials Scientists Gather in Sabah to Tackle the Planet’s Advanced Waste Challenge

KOTA KINABALU: Modern life relies heavily on composite materials. They make commercial aircraft lighter, improve the safety of electric vehicle batteries, and power everyday microelectronics. Yet, understanding what happens to these ultra-robust materials once they reach the end of their lifespan remains one of the most significant environmental challenges in engineering.

To address this pressing issue, nearly 200 leading materials scientists, engineers, and industry figures from 13 countries convened at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) for the 14th Asian-Australasian Conference on Composite Materials (ACCM 2026). Organised by a collaborative academic alliance comprising Curtin University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi Brunei, this four-day forum focused on transforming global manufacturing towards bio-based, recyclable, and longer-lasting systems.

The event was strongly supported by the Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB), reinforcing the state’s strategic goal of positioning Sabah as a premier centre for high-impact international business events. Beyond boosting local tourism, hosting specialised scientific conferences attracts world-class expertise to the region, fosters cross-border partnerships, and generates economic benefits that extend well beyond the conference period.

"We’re no longer just focused on making materials stronger or lighter; we are now asking what happens to them 20 years down the line," said Dr Fethma M Nor, Organising Chair of ACCM 2026. "Bringing together this level of international expertise in Sabah has enabled us to move beyond theory and concentrate on practical applications—ensuring that the next generation of cars, planes, and power grids has a significantly smaller environmental footprint."

With international delegates accounting for 93 per cent of total attendance—including attendees from South Korea, China, Japan, Australia, and beyond—the conference created an immediate positive ripple effect across the local economy. High occupancy rates in Kota Kinabalu’s major hotels and delegates exploring local cultural attractions provided a direct boost to regional businesses. Crucially, delegates laid the groundwork for the establishment of the ASEAN Society for Composite Materials, a new collaborative body aimed at pooling Southeast Asian expertise and funding joint research initiatives.

Outside the SICC sessions, delegates took the opportunity to explore Sabah’s rich natural and cultural heritage. A dedicated day tour saw 80 participants immerse themselves in local traditions at the Mari Mari Cultural Village, alongside visits to iconic landmarks such as the Tun Mustapha Tower and the City Mosque. Many international attendees extended their trips to explore Mamutik and Sapi Islands, visit Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring, and enjoy river cruises to view Sabah’s famous proboscis monkeys and fireflies, providing a direct boost to local tour operators.

In celebration of this successful exchange of ideas, SCB Chief Executive Officer,  Noredah Othman, attended the conference Gala Dinner to warmly welcome international delegates to Sabah and acknowledge their contribution to global scientific progress.

"It is an absolute honour to welcome such brilliant minds from around the world to Kota Kinabalu," Noredah remarked. "Events like ACCM 2026 demonstrate that Sabah is far more than a stunning eco-tourism destination; we are a vibrant hub for world-class innovation. When international experts gather here to solve global challenges, it inspires our local scientific community and leaves a lasting legacy for Sabah."

Malaysia’s role in advancing materials science is set to expand further, with Professor Mariatti appointed as the incoming President of the Asian-Australasian Association for Composite Materials (AACM) for 2028. The conference will next take place on Jeju Island, South Korea, for its 15th edition in 2028.