The inaugural International Symposium on Technical Safety, Occupational Health, and Environmental 2024 (ISTeSHE 2024), virtually held on November 13-14, 2024, brought together leaders and experts in technical safety, health, and environmental sustainability from around the world. Organized by Occupational Safety and Health Program, UMPSA’s Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology (FIST), the event underscored the importance of collaborative innovation and knowledge sharing in advancing workplace safety and environmental stewardship.

The symposium was officially opened by Ir. Hj. Mohd Hatta Binti Zakaria, Director General of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia, who highlighted the pressing need for technological advancements and policy integration to create safer and more sustainable work environments. Prof. Dr. Aida Binti Mustafa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, welcomed participants and reaffirmed UMPSA’s commitment to supporting research initiatives that drive sustainable progress in occupational safety, health and environment.

ISTeSHE 2024 featured insightful keynote addresses by prominent figures in academia and industry. Among them was Prof. Dr. Minoru Yoneda, Vice President and Director-General for the Agency for Health, Safety, and Environment at Kyoto University, Japan, delivered an address titled “How To Proceed with CNP (Carbon Neutral Promotion) Projects at Kyoto University”. He shared Kyoto University’s efforts toward carbon neutrality, discussing strategic approaches and the complexities of balancing sustainability with industrial progress.

From SOCSO, Mr. Harun Bin Bakar, Head of the Prevention Branch, spoke on “Empowering a Safe and Healthy Working Environment: The Vital Role of Social Security Integration.” His presentation highlighted the significant impact of social security measures in fostering safer workplaces and supporting preventive health initiatives.

Mr. Mohamad Khairil Azhar Bin Mohd Salim, an Industrial Hygienist with Qatar Energy, provided an industry perspective with his presentation “Industrial Hygiene in the 21st Century: Technology, Compliance, and Empowerment.” He emphasized how technology is reshaping industrial hygiene practices, promoting regulatory compliance, and empowering organizations to prioritize worker safety and health.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Fadzil bin Mohd Idris’s presentation on “The Future of Technical Safety: Innovation, Trends and Emerging Challenges” explores the transformative landscape of safety in technical fields. He emphasizes the role of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), reshaping safety management by enabling real-time monitoring and proactive risk assessment.

The two-day symposium featured panel discussions and research presentations on a range of topics in technical safety, occupational health, and environmental sustainability. It encouraged participants to engage in open discussions, share research findings, and forge partnerships that aim to advance industrial safety practices and environmental health globally.

UMPSA worked closely with Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia, Universitas Airlangga and Universitas Islam Indonesia to develop a program that balanced academic rigor with practical, industry-focused insights. Additionally, sponsorship from Social Security Organisation played a vital role in supporting the event, enhancing the symposium experience for attendees, and promoting the importance of sustainable practices in technical safety and environmental health.

ISTeSHE 2024 has set a strong foundation for future initiatives that address critical global challenges in workplace safety, occupational health, and environmental sustainability, reinforcing FIST’s and UMPSA’s roles as leaders in promoting responsible industrial and environmental practices.

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Reported by: Dr. Norhidayah binti Abdull