Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Spanish Institute (UniKL MSI) strengthened its role in advancing industry-focused engineering research and innovation through the 6th International Conference on Vibration, Sound and System Dynamics (ICVSSD 2026).
Organised by The Vibration Lab, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), with UniKL MSI as co-organiser, the international conference was held in Penang in September 2026 as a platform for engineers, researchers, academics and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and explore future research collaboration.
Under the theme “Vibration for Better Machines, Smarter Systems,” ICVSSD 2026 reflected how conventional engineering disciplines are rapidly evolving through the integration of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, big data analytics and smart sensing technologies.
These technologies are increasingly enabling vibration and acoustic data to move beyond conventional testing towards intelligent machine monitoring, predictive diagnostics and performance optimisation.
Professor Dr. Zaidi Mohd Ripin, Chairman of ICVSSD 2026, highlighted how developments in AI and big data analytics are transforming vibration and sound analysis, allowing engineering data to be integrated more closely with machine performance, diagnostics and optimisation.
The development is particularly significant as industries move towards smarter and more connected systems capable of improving reliability, operational efficiency and long-term performance.
For UniKL MSI, its role as co-organiser reinforced the institute’s contribution to applied engineering research, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), industry collaboration and technology-driven innovation.
Covering Dean of UniKL MSI, Dr Muhammad Najib, emphasised during the conference the importance of building stronger synergies between research-intensive universities such as USM and TVET-focused institutions such as UniKL MSI.
Such collaborations, he said, can help translate academic research into practical technological solutions that respond directly to industry needs. ICVSSD 2026 article to
This research-to-industry connection was demonstrated through innovations presented during ICVSSD 2026, including a dynamic oscillating cutting system for oil palm harvesters.
Compared with conventional static cutting methods, the system reduces the cutting force required, allowing battery-powered harvesting equipment to operate more efficiently and harvest more trees between charges — demonstrating how engineering research can support productivity alongside more sustainable industrial practices.
Beyond individual engineering components, ICVSSD 2026 explored the wider transition towards smart, interconnected and autonomous engineering systems that can monitor operating conditions, learn from data and optimise their own performance.
Professor Dr. Masami Matsubara of Waseda University, Japan, delivered an academic keynote on high-resolution image-based measurement of periodic motion, while Faisal Nazamuddin of Invicom Test & Measurement Sdn. Bhd. shared insights into practical measurement technologies from an industry perspective.
UniKL MSI’s participation in ICVSSD 2026 is closely aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through engineering research, smart technologies and industry-oriented innovation.
The conference also supports SDG 4: Quality Education through knowledge exchange and hands-on technical learning, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration among UniKL MSI, USM, international academics and industry partners.
