Keynote Speeches Inspire Future Ready Thinking at TECHNOVATION 2026

TECHNOVATION 2026 brought together distinguished industry experts for a series of keynote speeches that explored the future of technology, engineering, built environment, information technology and sustainability. Held on 31 March and 1 April 2026, the sessions offered students and participants valuable exposure to real industry perspectives, emerging challenges and future focused solutions.

The keynote sessions were designed to bridge academic learning with professional practice. Through topics ranging from smart urban living and engineering problem solving to information technology governance, architectural authenticity and sustainable cities, the speakers encouraged participants to think beyond theory and consider how innovation can be applied meaningfully in the real world.

The series began with “Smart Urban Living in Putrajaya: Technology, Sustainability and Quality of Life” by Mr Mohd Shazrul Bin Sapian, Assistant Director, Information Technology and Communication Division, Corporate Service Department, Putrajaya Corporation. His session highlighted how technology and sustainability can work together to enhance urban living, improve public services and support better quality of life within modern city planning.

Another impactful session, “Apollo 13 and the Reality of TECHNOVATION: Turning Engineering Ideas into Life Saving Solutions”, was delivered by Ir Dr Liew Chee Leong (Ricky), Chairman of the Mechanical Engineering Technical Division, Institution of Engineers Malaysia. Drawing from the Apollo 13 mission, the session reflected on the importance of engineering thinking, resilience and practical problem solving when ideas must respond to urgent real world needs.

The keynote titled “The Engineering of Authenticity” by Arkitek Azman Zainal, Principal and registered architect with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, encouraged participants to reflect on the relationship between design, identity and purpose. His sharing offered valuable insight into how built environment professionals can create work that is not only functional, but also meaningful and rooted in authenticity.

In the field of information technology, Ts Suzillah Binti Sahim, Head of Governance, Risk and Audit at DRB HICOM Berhad, delivered “Beyond Coding: Understanding IT Risk and Governance in the Real World”. The session introduced participants to the broader responsibilities within technology, including risk management, governance, accountability and ethical decision making in digital systems.

The final keynote, “Autonomous UAV Systems for Sustainable Cities”, was presented by Dr Dilshani Hansika Mallikarachchi, Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Xiamen University Malaysia, and SEGi BEE alumni, Class of 2018. Her session explored how autonomous UAV systems can support sustainable city development, offering participants a glimpse into how advanced technologies may contribute to future urban solutions.

Together, the keynote speeches demonstrated the importance of connecting academic knowledge with industry needs. Students and participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of current professional expectations, emerging technologies and sustainability driven innovation across multiple sectors.

The sessions also aligned strongly with the global call for responsible development, particularly in relation to smart infrastructure, sustainable communities and climate conscious solutions. By bringing together experts from industry, academia and professional bodies, TECHNOVATION 2026 continued to encourage critical thinking, creativity and a shared commitment to building a smarter and more sustainable future.

This activity supports the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13 Climate Action