ICYC is a biennial conference organised by postgraduate students of the School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. It provides a platform for young researchers to present their research findings, exchange ideas and establish connections with scientists and experts from Malaysia and abroad. The conference began in 2001 as the Regional Conference for Young Chemists (RCYC) before evolving into ICYC, attracting researchers from around the world.
The 10th edition of ICYC was chaired by Nur Fatin Atikah Abdul Mutalib, with Dr Mohd Ridhwan Adam serving as the Main Advisor. ICYC 2026 successfully brought together 108 participants and 24 plenary, keynote and invited speakers, with representation from 14 countries. International participants and experts came from Australia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Cambodia, the Philippines, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, Pakistan, Taiwan and Malaysia, highlighting the conference’s growing international reach and its role in strengthening scientific networks across borders.
The conference featured prominent scientists and researchers from a wide range of chemical disciplines. Among the plenary speakers were Tan Sri Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Augustine Ong Soon Hock, widely recognised as the Father of Malaysian Palm Oil, and Professor Dr Philip John Marriott from Monash University, Australia. The programme also featured experts from USM and leading international institutions, including Fudan University, China; National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan; Satbayev University, Kazakhstan; Chiang Mai University, Thailand; Université Angers, France; and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Research presented during ICYC 2026 covered six major areas of chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry. The SDGs were also incorporated into oral and poster presentations, encouraging young researchers to connect their scientific discoveries with broader impacts on society, the environment and sustainable development.
Beyond the plenary, keynote, invited, oral and poster sessions, ICYC 2026 provided opportunities for professional networking and cross-cultural exchange. Hosting the conference in Georgetown, a city renowned for its cultural diversity and heritage, also offered international participants an opportunity to experience Penang and Malaysia while building new research connections.
The 10th edition of ICYC not only celebrated the conference’s long-standing journey and legacy, but also reflected USM’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of scientists who are knowledgeable, globally connected and responsive to sustainability challenges. Through scientific exchange, networking and international collaboration, ICYC continues to reinforce the idea that advances in chemistry should not only lead to new discoveries, but also contribute towards meaningful solutions for society and a more sustainable world.
