GLOBAL MATERIALS SCIENTISTS GATHER IN SABAH TO SOLVE THE PLANET’S ADVANCED WASTE CHALLENGE
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | 22 July 2026 – Modern life runs on composite materials. They make commercial airplanes lighter, render electric vehicle batteries safer, and power everyday microelectronics. Yet, figuring out what happens to these ultra-tough materials when they reach the end of their lifespan remains one of the engineering world’s toughest environmental hurdles. To tackle this challenge head-on, nearly 200 leading material scientists, engineers, and industry leaders from 13 countries gathered at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) for the 14th Asian-Australasian Conference on Composite Materials (ACCM 2026). Hosted by a joint academic alliance comprising Curtin University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi Brunei, the four-day forum focused on shifting global manufacturing toward bio-based, recyclable and longer-lasting systems.
The event was strongly supported by the Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB), reinforcing the state’s strategy to position Sabah as a premier hub for high-impact international business events. Beyond boosting local tourism, hosting specialized scientific conventions brings world-class expertise to the region, fosters cross-border partnerships, and drives economic value that extends far beyond the conference floor.
“We aren’t just looking at how to make materials stronger or lighter anymore; we’re asking what happens to them 20 years down the line,” said Ts. Dr. Fethma M Nor, Organising Chair of ACCM
“Bringing this level of international expertise together in Sabah allowed us to move past theory and focus on real-world adoption, making sure the next generation of cars, planes and power grids leave a significantly smaller footprint on the planet.” With international delegates accounting for 93 percent of total attendance—traveling from South Korea, China, Japan, Australia, and beyond—the gathering created a immediate ripple effect across the local economy. High occupancy rates across major Kota Kinabalu hotels and delegates exploring local cultural attractions provided a direct boost to local businesses. Crucially, delegates also used the forum to establish the groundwork for the ASEAN Society for Composite Materials, a new collaborative body designed to pool Southeast Asian expertise and fund joint research initiatives.
2 | P a g e S a b a h C o n v e n t i o n B u r e a u ( S C B ) M a r k e t i n g C o m m u n i c a t i o n s
Beyond the conference session at SICC, delegates actively explored 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 a city tour visiting iconic landmarks such as the Tun Mustapha Tower and the City Mosque. Many international attendees also extended their trips to explore Mamutik and Sapi Islands, visit Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring and take river cruises to view Sabah’s famous proboscis monkeys and fireflies, providing a direct boost to local tour operators. Celebrating the successful exchange of ideas, SCB Chief Executive Officer, Mdm. 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 privilege to welcome such brilliant minds from across the globe to Kota Kinabalu,” said Noredah. “Events like ACCM 2026 demonstrate that Sabah is far more than a breathtaking eco-tourism destination, we are a dynamic home for world-class innovation. When international experts gather here to solve global challenges, it inspires our local scientific community and creates a lasting legacy for Sabah.” Looking ahead, Malaysia’s role in steering advanced material science will continue to grow, with Prof. Mariatti named incoming President of the Asian-Australasian Association for Composite Materials (AACM) for 2028. The conference will next head to South Korea for its 15th edition on Jeju Island in 2028.
