On behalf of the organising committee, I am truly honoured and delighted to welcome all the distinguished guests, presenters and delegates today for the IIUM Research and Innovation Day 2026 (IRID 2026), at the Swiss-BelHotel, Kuantan, Pahang.
It is a great privilege for the Research Management Center International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to organise this year’s event, continuing a tradition that began in 2016 as Kuantan Research Day to strengthen the culture of research, innovation and scholarly exchange among IIUM researchers and with many others. Over the years, IRID has expanded its scope and participation, attracting academics, students, professionals, and industry partners from across Malaysia and internationally. Today, IRID stands as one of IIUM’s key platforms for promoting impactful research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across health sciences, pure sciences, engineering-related sciences, economics, and social sciences.
With the theme “Research and Innovation for a MADANI Future,” IRID 2026 aspires to strengthen integration across diverse research fields, encourage the translation of knowledge into innovative applications, and contribute to solutions that support societal well-being and national development. This theme reflects our collective vision to nurture transformative ideas grounded in ethics, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Malaysia is blessed with a wealth of intellectual talent and scientific capability, and IIUM remains committed to nurturing a vibrant research ecosystem that advances knowledge for the benefit of the ummah and humanity. As we continue to strive towards enhancing our research competitiveness, including improving publication output, strengthening industry engagement, and promoting multidisciplinary discovery, IRID will become increasingly significant at showcasing our excellence and expanding strategic partnerships.
The conference aims not only to highlight the outstanding work of our researchers but also to serve as a platform for building sustainable collaborations with local and international partners. Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our strategic collaborators, industry partners, research institutions, judges, keynote speakers, and participating universities for their commitment and invaluable support. Your contributions here today are instrumental at ensuring the success and continuity of this meaningful annual event.
Wishing all delegates an enriching, productive and inspiring experience at IRID 2026. May this gathering spark new ideas, foster impactful collaborations, and pave the way for innovative solutions that benefit society.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Widya Lestari
Chairperson, International Research and Innovation Day ( IRID) IIUM 2026
Head, Grant Management Unit Research Management Center Kuantan
Lecturer, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, IIUM Kuantan.