Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — The Head of the Center for Eco-Material Engineering and Manufacturing (PRME) of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Didik Nurhadiyanto, S.T., M.T., IPU, ASEAN Eng., served as an invited speaker at The 9th International Conference on Advances in Mechanical Engineering (ICAME 2026), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 13–15, 2026. Organized by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, the conference was themed "Engineering Without Borders: Towards a Sustainable Future." ICAME 2026 served as an international scientific forum that brought together academics, researchers, industry practitioners, and engineering professionals to discuss the latest advancements in engineering science and technology. The fields discussed encompassed advanced materials, manufacturing and design, sustainable engineering, thermal and fluid sciences, as well as various interdisciplinary topics in mechanical engineering. 

In his capacity as an invited speaker, Prof. Didik brought a scientific perspective rooted in the fields of material engineering and manufacturing. His research track record includes the development of carbon fiber–hemp hybrid composites, corrugated metal gaskets, coating materials, and biomass utilization through pyrolysis and gasification processes. These fields are closely aligned with PRME UNY's focus on sustainable material development, manufacturing technology, and eco-materials. One of Prof. Didik's research focuses is the development of engineering materials that are more efficient, high-value, and relevant to sustainability principles. A number of his ongoing studies include the utilization of natural and carbon fiber composites, the development of gasket materials as alternatives to conventional options, and the utilization of local materials to support the substitution of imported components. The research he leads also encompasses the development of carbon-composite-based components for sprayer drones as part of an effort to increase domestic component usage. 

The involvement of the Head of PRME UNY in ICAME 2026 provided a strategic platform to introduce UNY's research competencies in material engineering, eco-materials, advanced composites, and sustainable manufacturing to the international academic community. This focus is in line with the conference theme, which positions sustainability as a critical issue in the future development of mechanical engineering technology. Besides serving as a medium to disseminate insights and research findings, participation in ICAME 2026 also opens up opportunities to expand networks among PRME UNY, UiTM, and other international researchers and institutions. Academic interactions within the forum are expected to develop into collaborations in the form of joint research, joint publications, academic exchanges, and the development of material innovations relevant to industrial needs. Prof. Didik's participation as an invited speaker simultaneously reinforces PRME UNY's commitment to driving the internationalization of research and eco-material development. Through active engagement in global scientific forums, PRME UNY continues to build a research ecosystem that integrates material engineering, manufacturing processes, sustainability, and technological applications to generate innovations that are adaptive to industrial demands and environmental challenges.