The organization of the International Symposium on Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology 2020 (iSAMN2020) is slightly different from previous years due to the impact of the Covid19 pandemic that struck the whole world. It was supposed to be held in Turkey but the plan was changed to suit the current pandemic situation. Unanimously, ITMA and the joint organizers from 2 universities in Turkey, namely Ataturk University and Erzurum Technical University agreed to organize the iSAMN2020 via online medium using the network conference facilities. A total of 106 participants from different countries participated in this symposium which lasted for 3 days started from 1-3 December 2020.

Themed "Functional Nano-structured Materials and Devices", this year's event covers the field of basic principles up to the latest advanced materials technology and nanotechnology.

The opening speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohd Nizar Hamidon, Director of the Institute of Advanced Technology, followed by the opening speech by the Rector, Ataturk University, Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı and, Rector, Erzurum Technical University, Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak. This year’s opening ceremony was officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of UPM, the honorable Y. Bhg. Prof Dr. Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman. In his inaugural speech, Y. Bhg. Vice-Chancellor expressed his proudness and gratitude for the fact that ITMA has organized this annual event for 8 years consecutively. After the opening speech, Prof. Dr. Muammer Yaylali, one of the Members of the Board of Education Council, Turkey came up with his welcoming remark.

A total of 15 experts from various fields in nanotechnology and advanced materials delivered their keynote speeches in their respective fields of expertise. On the first day, 4 keynote speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman, (Universiti Putra Malaysia), Prof. Dr. RaÅŸit Turan (Middle East Technical University, Turkey) followed by Prof. Dr. Ayse Bayrakceken Yurtcan (Ataturk University, Turkey) and the session was wrapped up by Prof. Dr. Songul Duman (Erzurum Technical University, Turkey).

The second day of the symposium featured other 6 keynote speeches delivered by experts from Malaysia, Turkey and, the United Kingdom. The session started with a keynote address by Prof. Dr. Nor Azah Yusof (Universiti Putra Malaysia) followed by Prof. Dr. Mohd Ambri Mohamed (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) and Prof. Dr. Asrulnizam Abd Manaf (Universiti Sains Malaysia). The second keynote session resumed after the completion of the plenary session which was divided into 3 sessions. Two experts from Turkey and one from the United Kingdom delivered their respective keynote speeches. They are Prof. Dr. Bulent Cavusoglu from Ataturk University, Turkey, followed by Prof. Dr. Levent Trabzon from Istanbul Technical University and Dr. Tapas Sen from the University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom.

On the last day of the symposium, 5 other experts delivered the keynote speeches, namely Prof. Ir. Dr. Norhayati Soin (University of Malaya), Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Wan Zuha Wan Hasan (Universiti Putra Malaysia) followed by Dr. Fauzan Ahmad (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia). The second keynote session featured Prof. Dr. Sebahattin Tüzemen and Prof. Dr. Guven Turgut from Ataturk University and Erzurum Technical University, Turkey, respectively. Additionally, a total of 70 papers were presented in 3 separate plenary sessions that took place during the 3 days symposium.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chairman of iSAMN2020, Prof. Dr. Mohd Nizar Hamidon hoped that this annual event granted and paved new opportunities for all participants to conduct more advanced research. The symposium closing speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ertergrul representing the Rector of Ataturk University and Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak, Rector, Erzurum Technical University.

Overall, this year's symposium granted space, provided new dimensions and experiences to the participants and those who were involved in the planning for future symposiums using online methods. The expertise diversity in the presented keynote speech and paperwork attracted participants to share their latest information and technology in developing their research. See you at iSAMN2021!!

Prepared by:

En. Md Ali Rani dan Dr. Intan Helina Hasan

Date of Input: 30/12/2020 | Updated: 30/12/2020 | nursyahirah