MBOT East Coast Symposium 2026 Strengthens Regional Innovation with UCYP University as Strategic Partner

MBOT East Coast Symposium 2026 Strengthens Regional Innovation with UCYP University as Strategic Partner

UCYP University reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the East Coast’s technology and innovation ecosystem through its role as co-organiser of the MBOT East Coast Symposium 2026, held on 25 April 2026 at Yayasan Pahang. Organised by the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) in collaboration with UCYP University, the symposium brought together more than 250 leaders from academia, industry and government to explore the growing role of technology talent and innovation in shaping the region’s economic future.

With the theme “Catalyzing East Coast Development Through Tech Talent & Innovation,” the symposium served as a strategic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and cross-sector collaboration. The opening ceremony was officiated by YB Dato’ Ir. Razali bin Kassim, Chairman of the Pahang State Committee for Public Works, Transport and Health, representing the Pahang Chief Minister. Participants also gained valuable perspectives from keynote speaker Dato’ Seri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Advisor to the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, whose address highlighted the importance of technology-driven talent development in supporting long-term regional competitiveness.

UCYP University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Muhammad Fauzi bin Mohd Zain, was also in attendance alongside MBOT President, Professor Dato’ Ts. Ir. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim bin Abdul Mutalib, reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions in strengthening Malaysia’s technology and technical talent pipeline.

One of the key highlights of the symposium was the forum session, which brought together distinguished voices from academia and industry to discuss opportunities and challenges in developing a resilient and future-ready technology ecosystem for the East Coast. The panel featured the MBOT president, Professor Dato’ Ts. Ir. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim bin Abdul Mutalib; Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadzil bin Mohd Akhir, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategy, Performance and Corporate), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu; and Mr. Tan Aik Mean, Managing Director of BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. The session, moderated by Ts. Dr. Shalyda binti Md Shaarani @ Md Nawi from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, encouraged meaningful discussion on sustainable regional growth through technology and innovation.

The symposium also featured an engaging industry sharing session, offering participants practical insights into how technological innovation is being applied across strategic sectors. Speakers included Ts. Nurul-Afiqah binti Mohamad Jemuri, Quality Manager at Farm Fresh Berhad, who shared perspectives on technology-driven growth in the agrofood sector; Ts. Mohd Azlan bin Mat Ali, Senior Process Engineer at Lynas Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., who discussed the integration of the rare earth industry within the East Coast Economic Region’s innovation agenda; and Ts. Ir. Noor Azlan bin Salleh, Project Director at Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd. (MRL), who provided updates on the construction progress and milestones of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

By co-organising this symposium, UCYP University continues to play an active role in bridging academia, industry and policy conversations to support the development of high-skilled talent and innovation-led growth. The initiative reflects the university’s broader commitment to strengthening the TVET ecosystem, expanding strategic partnerships and preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

The officiating speech by the Chairman of the Pahang State Committee for Public Works, Transport and Health, representing the Chief Minister of Pahang

Welcome remarks (left), keynote address (centre) and industry sharing session (right) during the forum

Moments from the MBOT East Coast Symposium 2026