Elsevier-Borneo Higher Education Research Summit 2025

Innovating through ideas: Bridging research and impact

The Elsevier-Borneo Higher Education Research Summit 2025 is a premier gathering of Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Academic & Research Leaders, Lecturers, and Library Directors committed to advancing research excellence and societal impact. Hosted in partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, the summit will take place on 12 July 2025 at Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

This summit serves as a dynamic platform for thought leaders to explore the latest trends in AI-driven research ideation, research impact, and innovation, while fostering collaboration to drive meaningful change in academia and beyond.

Summit information

Venue: Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Date: 12 July 2025 Time: 9.00am - 17.00pm (Registration starts at 8.00am)

Borneo: A region of growth and innovation

As one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, Borneo is at the intersection of cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Home to Malaysia’s Sabah and Sarawak states, Brunei, and Indonesia’s Kalimantan, the region is rapidly emerging as a hub for sustainable innovation and research-driven progress.

The Elsevier-Borneo Higher Education Research Summit 2025 is designed to support Borneo’s growth by:

Advancing Research & Innovation – Strengthening the region’s research ecosystem with cutting-edge insights and technology.
Fostering Sustainable Development – Showcasing research’s role in eco-tourism, cultural preservation, and economic growth.
Building Strategic Partnerships – Connecting academia, industry, and policymakers to create lasting impact.

Why attend?

Gain insights into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in research ideation
Discover strategies for driving research from ideation to innovation
Explore how research can contribute to sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation
Engage with leading experts on research excellence and societal impact
Network with top decision-makers in academia and research

Join us in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for an inspiring exchange of ideas, collaboration, and discovery.

Agenda

08.00 am – 09.00 am	Event Registration
09.00 am – 09.10 am	Welcoming Speech by Professor. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj Mansor, JP Vice Chancellor, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
09.10 am – 09.40 am	Opening Speech & Official Opening Ceremony by YB Datuk Mustapha Sakmud Deputy Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia
09.40 am – 09.50 am	Group Photo Session
09.50 am – 10.00 am	Exhibition Booth Visit with VVIP
10.00 am – 10.30 am	Morning Tea Break
10.30 am – 11.10 am	Elsevier Keynote Session: – From Research to Impact: Telling The Story by Dr. Anders Karlsson Vice President, Global Strategic Networks - APAC, Elsevier
11.10 am – 11.40 pm	Plenary Session 1: Artificial Intelligence for Research Ideation by Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahir Shamsir RTTP, Vice President, Innovation and Technology Managers Association (ITMA) Malaysia Moderator: Dr. Nazrein Adrian Bin Amaludin, Deputy Director, Centre for Instrumentation and Science Services, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
11.50 pm – 12.20 pm	Plenary Session 2: Driving Ideation To Innovation: A Roadmap for Purposeful Research Impact by Associate Professor Dr. Tham Chau Ling, Head of the Cell Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia Moderator: Dr. Bamini Kpd Balakrishman, Deputy Director, Innovation Management and Commercialization Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
12.30 pm – 2.00 pm	Lunch and Networking
02.00 pm – 2.30 pm	Plenary Session 3: Innovative Research Driving Sustainable Tourism: Bridging Cultural Heritage and Economic Growth by Associate Professor Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim, Director, Institute for Tropical Biology & Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah Moderator: Dr. Oscar Dousin, Deputy Director (Student Affairs), Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
02.40 pm – 03.10 pm	Plenary Session 4: Towards Brunei Wawasan (Vision) 2035 with Research and Innovation by Dr. Abdul Hanif Mahadi, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Vice President (Research, Innovation and Sustainability), Universiti Brunei Darussalam Moderator: Professor Dr Jidon @ Adrian Bin Januan, Director, Innovation Management and Commercialization Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
03.10 pm – 04.00 pm	Coffee Break and Networking
04.00 pm – 04.45 pm	Panel Discussion: Excellence Ideas and Societal Impact Moderator: Dr. Anders Karlsson, Vice President of Global Strategic Networks, Asia Pacific at Elsevier Panelist 1: Professor. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj Mansor, JP, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Malaysia Sabah Panelist 2: Professor Dr. Ahmad Hata bin Rasit, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Panelist 3: Professor Datuk ChM. Ts. Dr. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, Head of Catalysis Science and Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia
04.45 pm – 05.00 pm	Closing Speech by Mr. Omar Malik, Regional Director, Southeast Asia & ANZ, Elsevier