IPPT USM–INDUSTRY SYMPOSIUM 2025 STRENGTHENS RESEARCH–INDUSTRY SYNERGY AND FUTURE READY TALENT DEVELOPMENT

PENANG, 10 December 2025 - The Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), further reinforces its position as a leading centre for research and talent development through the organisation of the IPPT USM-Industry Symposium 2025, themed 'Bridging Minds, Building Futures: Industry Insights for Research and Career Readiness', held at Eastin Hotel, Penang.

The programme aims to reinforce synergy between university research and industry needs, enhance career readiness and graduate employability, and create a platform for strategic collaboration among academia, industry, and government agencies to support innovation and human capital development.

Organised by the IPPT'sResearch, Innovation, and Networking Division (BPIJ), the symposium brought together leaders from the healthcare, medical technology, and electronics sectors, alongside academic experts and postgraduate students, to bridge the gap between university research and real industry demands while strengthening graduate career readiness.

This initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education through industry-based learning; SDG 8 on Economic Growth by enhancing employability; SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through cross-sector collaboration; and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals by fostering robust cooperation to advance health innovation and human capital development.

The event began with a welcome speech by the Director of IPPT USM, Associate Professor Dr. Bakiah Shaharuddin, who emphasised that research achieves true impact only when translated into solutions that address real industry and societal needs.

"This programme serves as a critical platform for fostering holistic learning, enabling students and researchers to gain insights beyond the academic realm and directly engage with the practical demands of the workforce," she said.

Bakiah further highlighted that such platforms align with IPPT's commitment to the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) agenda, ensuring that learning experiences cultivate not only knowledge and technical skills but also critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility among future leaders and innovators.

The opening ceremony was officiated by USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, who stressed that close collaboration between academia and industry accelerates innovation and strengthens human capital development.

"Such synergy is vital because research empowered through industry collaboration opens new opportunities in healthcare technology development and enhances societal well-being," he said.

The programme continued with a keynote address by Dr. David Lacey, Director of External Affairs at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, titled 'Opportunities for MedTech Innovation through Leverage of Malaysia's Electronics Industry Ecosystem.'

The session offered fresh perspectives on integrating innovative research with Malaysia's strong electronics ecosystem to produce sustainable healthcare solutions.

A forum titled 'Shaping the Future of Translational Research in Healthcare' followed, discussing the direction of translational research in the healthcare sector.

Moderated by IPPT USM postgraduate student Mohd Khairul Akma Darwis, the panel featured Dato' Dr. Fazilah Shaik Allaudin (Director of Health, Penang State), Dr. Md Azman Seeni Mohamed (SIRIM Berhad), and Professor Dr. Asrul Akmal Shafie (Pharmacoeconomics, USM).

Discussions centred on strengthening translational research to improve national healthcare quality and access to medical technology.

The Talent Match session provided students with direct exposure to real industry expectations. Dr. Tan Aik Aun, Director of R&D at B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn. Bhd., shared insights on competency requirements, soft skills, and global competitiveness in the medical and technology sectors.

At midday, the Industry Insights Forum-also moderated by Mohd Khairul Akma Darwis-brought together Dr. Tan Aik Aun (B. Braun), Tan Lin Im (Teleflex Medical), and Julia Hoong (Keysight Technologies).

The forum facilitated constructive dialogue between industry and academia to develop clearer and more strategic career pathways for students, supporting national human capital development.

A Mock Interview session with industry experts offered participants hands-on experience in real interview settings, boosting confidence and reinforcing experiential learning to support the development of a skilled future workforce.

According to the Symposium Chair, Associate Professor Dr. Rafidah Zainon, the event served as a strategic platform to align postgraduate research with industry priorities while accelerating knowledge transfer and innovation.

She commended students for actively engaging with industry experts, asking questions, and developing essential soft skills through direct interaction.

The symposium also strengthened multi-party collaboration between universities, industry, and government agencies.

"The organisation of the IPPT USM-Industry Symposium 2025 demonstrates IPPT USM's ongoing commitment to producing researchers and graduates who are not only academically excellent but also ready to contribute to national development and societal well-being in line with global sustainable development goals," she added.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Professor Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya, Deputy Director of Research and Networking at IPPT USM, who expressed gratitude to all industry partners, including Osram Opto Semiconductors, B. Braun Medical Industries, Keysight Technologies, Teleflex Medical, SIRIM Berhad, the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries, and the Ministry of Health Malaysia for their commitment to the success of this prestigious symposium.

Through its structured and impactful programme, the symposium significantly strengthened IPPT's efforts to build inclusive collaborations with industry partners, opening greater opportunities for research advancement, technology transfer, and future-ready talent development.

Text: Nur Aqilah Tajul Ashikin/ Editing: Associate Professor Dr. Rafidah Zainon/ Photo: Norizan Ishak