In the latest issue of the International Islamic University Malaysia Engineering Journal, Volume 27, Number 1, a diverse array of engineering research is presented, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable and intelligent systems. The journal, edited by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Teddy Surya Gunawan from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), showcases how cutting-edge engineering solutions are addressing some of the most pressing challenges in technology, environment, and society.
The issue opens with a significant contribution from the field of Chemical and Biotechnology Engineering, where researchers delve into the growth kinetics of Pleurotus pulmonarius. This study is not just about understanding fungal growth; it’s about revolutionizing sustainable biotechnology practices. “By optimizing the process, we can enhance food security and create value-added agro-industrial applications,” explains one of the researchers. This work underscores the potential of biological engineering to drive innovation in the food and agricultural sectors, offering a promising avenue for commercialization.
A substantial portion of the journal is dedicated to Electrical, Computer, and Communications Engineering, reflecting the rapid advancements in intelligent systems and data-driven technologies. Several papers explore the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into various domains, from graph neural networks for large-scale data processing to transformer-based malware detection. These innovations are not just academic exercises; they have real-world implications for cybersecurity, data management, and automation.
One particularly noteworthy study focuses on vision-transformer-based groundwater-level forecasting. This research is crucial for sustainable water-resource management, a field that is increasingly important as water scarcity becomes a global concern. “Our model can predict groundwater levels with high accuracy, which is essential for efficient water management and conservation,” says the lead researcher. This technology could be a game-changer for industries reliant on water resources, offering a tool to optimize usage and reduce waste.
The Materials and Manufacturing Engineering section highlights next-generation materials that support sustainability and high-performance applications. Contributions on eco-friendly tin-based perovskite solar cells and graphene–silver hybrid inks provide valuable insights into material characterization and performance optimization. These advancements could lead to greener energy solutions and more efficient electronic devices, driving commercial opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
In the Mechatronics and Automation Engineering section, researchers explore a wide spectrum of intelligent and autonomous systems. From humanoid robot stability on uneven terrain to autonomous underwater vehicles for subaquatic exploration, these studies highlight the increasing role of autonomy and sustainability in modern engineered systems. “Our research aims to make autonomous systems more robust and reliable, which is crucial for their commercial viability,” notes one of the authors.
Taken as a whole, this issue of the International Islamic University Malaysia Engineering Journal, also known as the IIUM Engineering Journal, exemplifies the journal’s commitment to publishing high-quality, interdisciplinary engineering research. The diversity of topics and methodologies presented reflects the dynamic nature of engineering as a discipline and its critical role in supporting sustainable development and technological innovation.
Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Teddy Surya Gunawan, the Executive Editor, extends sincere appreciation to the authors, reviewers, and editorial team for their contributions. “We hope that the articles in this volume will stimulate further research, inspire collaboration across disciplines, and serve as a meaningful reference for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike,” he says.
As we look to the future, the research presented in this issue offers a glimpse into the potential of engineering to drive innovation and address global challenges. From sustainable biotechnology to intelligent systems and green materials, these advancements are poised to shape the future of various industries, particularly the energy sector. The journal’s commitment to publishing cutting-edge research ensures that it remains a valuable resource for professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of technological developments.