C is also for...

Congresses and Conferences.

The World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress 2010 (ESTCON 2010) organized by Universiti Teknologi Petronas is currently being held in KLCC from 15-17 July 2010. I am attending one of the 7 parallel international conference; the International Conference on Process Engineering and Advanced Materials (ICPEAM), in conjunction with the 24th Symposium of Malaysia Chemical Engineers (SOMCHE).

Although there was a slight hiccup during registration, (payment status was not updated so they said I hadn't paid and hence my registration was delayed hrmph!) usually anything Petronas related memang kelessss. The registration kit comprising of the conference materials was very professionally done using high quality materials. Even the feedback form was glossy paper!

So what, you say? Weelll...it isn't easy organizing a conference. I have been involved in organizing conferences for many years now, so I appreciate the small attention to detail ;D As a matter of fact, I am currently involved in organizing the 4th World Engineering Congress 2010 (WEC2010) which will be held 2-5 August 2010 in Kuching Sarawak. I am holding the post of Congress Treasurer as well as Chairperson for the Conference on Advanced Processes and Materials (CAPM).

Congratulations for UTP for organising a successful event. Mari kita promote UTP sikit, cewah!

 Congress Program Book.

 Conference Program Book.

  

 Notebook and pen.

 Lanyard and proceedings CD.

 Glossy certificate.

The purpose of a congress/conference is not only for knowledge dissemination and networking, it is also a business venture. What's more, it is very desirable to be able to brand the congress/conferences so that you get to attract participants each time and hence get to make more profit! Take SOMCHE for example, it is a conference synonymous to Chemical Engineering and hence each year would surely attract participation from chemical engineers nationwide. Local universities in Malaysia would take turns organizing this annual conference. One surefire way to attract participants is to offer publication of selected papers in renowned journals. Sometimes SOMCHE organizers have been successful at ensuring the publication of at least one volume of the special issue in time for the conference, which requires careful planning, organization and execution. This time I was delighted to see that our paper was already published in the first Special Issue of the Journal of Applied Sciences!

 

  

  

 List of reviewers for the Special Issue.

Jika anda (academicians) berpeluang melibatkan diri dalam aktiviti pengembangan seperti contoh yang tersenarai berikut (in no particular order), do take the opportunity to do so.

• 
  
  Organizing committee of national and international conferences e.g. secretary, treasurer
• 
  
  Chairperson of Congress/Conference
• 
  
  Conference Session Chairperson
• 
  
  Journal reviewer
• 
  
  Journal editorial committee

This is because each of these contributions count towards your annual KPI and promotion. Remember, kalau nak naik pangkat it is all about scores people! In academia, EVERYTHING you do or are involved with COUNTS towards your promotion. So when you are filling up that score sheet, all of these contributions will certainly add up! 

Last but not least, saya sangat suka kalau conference buat kat KLCC; the venue is perfect for both business and pleasure. Because at the end of the day I get to hang out at my favourite place...I think by now you know where hehehe ;D