By: Noor Eszereen Juferi
SERDANG, 26 August – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof. Ir. Dr. Abd. Rahim Abu Talib, strengthened UPM’s global leadership and visibility in aerospace engineering through his role as a key leader of the Southeast Asia Workshop on Aerospace Engineering (SAWAE) 2026, held at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Tainan, Taiwan, recently.
The organisation of SAWAE 2026 also marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Southeast Asia Network on Aerospace Engineering (SANAE), reaffirming UPM’s continued leadership in strengthening academic and research networks in aerospace engineering across Southeast Asia.
Prof. Ir. Dr. Abd. Rahim, who has served as SANAE President since 2024, led the organisation of this year’s SAWAE and delivered the Welcome Remarks on the first day of the workshop, which brought together academics, researchers and aerospace engineering experts from various institutions.
His expertise in aerospace engineering was further recognised when he was invited as a plenary speaker to deliver Plenary Talk IV, titled “From Concept to Sky: Advancing Hydrogen Fuel Systems for Future Aircraft,” on the second day of the workshop.
The presentation highlighted advances in hydrogen fuel system technologies as a key approach towards shaping a more sustainable future for aviation, in line with the global aerospace industry’s growing demand for low-carbon technologies.
He was also entrusted as Session Chair for the technical session, “Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Thermal Systems and Energy Devices II,” alongside Prof. C.-H. Cheng from NCKU. The session explored research developments in sustainable aviation fuels, thermal systems and energy devices.
UPM’s active role in SAWAE 2026 also provided an avenue to expand its strategic network with NCKU through an official visit by Prof. Ir. Dr. Abd. Rahim to the university in conjunction with the workshop.
During the visit, he introduced UPM’s expertise, academic strengths and strategic areas to NCKU as part of efforts to explore broader opportunities for collaboration. NCKU welcomed the initiative and expressed interest in exploring collaboration not only in aerospace engineering but also across various academic and research fields at the university level.
The engagement reflects UPM’s role not merely as an institution actively involved in international academic networks, but as a leader contributing to the development of a regional and global ecosystem for collaboration and knowledge-sharing in aerospace engineering.
This effort is aligned with the Putra Global Eminence Driver Plan 2026–2035, which emphasises strengthening global visibility, enhancing international engagement, aligning institutional priorities and driving UPM’s sustainable global excellence.
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