Seeing the Unseen: Exploring the World of Electron Microscopy and Surface Beam Analysis Workshop 2026

7–11 September 2026 | UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College

Group photo after the Opening Session. Key VIPs: YB Lim Guan Eng (Front row – 7th from the left), YB Senator Dr. Lingeshwaran (Front row – 7th from the right), Mr. KY Tay (Front row – 6th from the left), Mr. Ahmad Azhar bin Talib (Front row – 6th from the right), Prof. Dr. Khong Yoon Loong (Front row – 5th from the left)

UOW Malaysia recently concluded the “Seeing the Unseen: Exploring the World of Electron Microscopy and Surface Beam Analysis Workshop 2026”, an engaging initiative that brought together industry, academia and the education community to showcase the power of advanced microscopy and analytical technologies in collaboration with Hi-Tech Instruments and PowerSains.

The workshop welcomed industry professionals, researchers, academics, teachers and students to explore the applications of electron microscopy and surface beam analysis, highlighting the importance of scientific discovery, technological advancement and experiential learning.

Distinguished Guests at the Opening Session

The workshop was honoured by the presence of YB Lim Guan Eng, Member of Parliament for Bagan and Member of the Penang State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) for Air Putih; Mr KY Tay, Founder and Managing Director of Hi-Tech Instrument; Prof. Dr. Khong Yun Loong, Founder of PowerSains and Adjunct Professor of UOW Malaysia; YB Senator Dr Lingeshwaran A/L Dato' Seri R. Arunasalam; and Mr Ahmad Azhar bin Talib, Ketua Penolong Pengarah, Unit Sains dan Matematik, Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Pulau Pinang.

Their presence reflected the importance of collaboration between education, industry and the wider community in advancing scientific knowledge and developing future talent.

Exploring the World of Electron Microscopy

The theme “Seeing the Unseen” aptly captured the essence of the workshop. Electron microscopy enables researchers and engineers to investigate features that cannot be observed with the naked eye, from microscopic surface structures and particles to defects and material characteristics. More importantly, it demonstrates how scientific observation can lead to deeper understanding, problem-solving and innovation.

Following the opening session on Day 1, three introductory presentations introduced participants to Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and related analytical technologies.

Mr KY Tay, Managing Director of Hi-Tech Instruments, delivered a presentation entitled “SEM Technologies for Surface Morphology to Atomic-Scale Characterisation”. Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Khong Yoon Loong, Founder of PowerSains and Adjunct Professor of University of Wollongong Malaysia, presented “Introduction to Beam Analytic Technics”. Dr. Abby Soo, Technical Specialist of Hi-Tech Instruments, also presented “TOF-SIMS Surface Characterisation of Top Monolayers”.

Caption: The SEM machine demonstrated during the workshop and examples of microscopic images.

Industry Insights and Technical Presentations

Day 2 featured three keynote presentations delivered by industry professionals and a senior research fellow from UOW Australia.

Dr. Yeoh Lai Seng, Lead Principal Engineer in Failure Analysis, delivered the keynote “Applied Electron Microscopy for Industry”. This was followed by Dr BC Kang, Senior Manager at Western Digital, Penang, who presented “Signals to Decisions: Utilizing Surface Beam Analysis in Industrial Manufacturing”.

The third keynote was delivered virtually by Dr. Azdiar A. Gazder, Senior Research Fellow and FEGSEM/EBSD Supervisor at the Electron Microscopy Centre (EMC), Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM), University of Wollongong, Australia. Dr. Gazder shared insights into his work on electron microscopy for materials research.

The presentations provided a platform for professionals, researchers and academics to exchange knowledge and explore the applications of electron microscopy and surface beam analysis in industrial manufacturing, materials science and research.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through STEM

A key highlight of the programme was its strong emphasis on STEM outreach and experiential learning. More than 400 students and teachers from 14 secondary schools in Seberang Prai were welcomed to UOW Malaysia, providing them with a rare opportunity to discover the fascinating world of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Students and teachers from SMJK Chung Ling Butterworth, SMK Tinggi Bukit Mertajam and SMK Valdor attending the Opening Session.

For many of the young participants, the experience offered a first-hand introduction to a technology widely used in advanced manufacturing, materials science, electronics, semiconductor development, failure analysis and scientific research.

Through demonstrations and interactive activities, students were able to appreciate how an ordinary-looking object can reveal an extraordinary microscopic world when viewed through the lens of an electron microscope.

By exposing students to emerging technologies and real-world applications, the workshop encouraged curiosity, scientific thinking, problem-solving abilities and a passion for innovation among the next generation.

Strengthening Industry:University Collaboration

The workshop highlighted the importance of industry–university collaboration in strengthening Malaysia’s talent pipeline and preparing young people for an increasingly technology-driven future.

The involvement of Hi-Tech Instrument provided participants with exposure to industry expertise and advanced analytical equipment, while UOW Malaysia served as a platform for connecting technological knowledge with education and hands-on learning.

The workshop also opened opportunities for future collaboration in research, training, technology transfer and industry engagement.

The programme received support from professional bodies, including the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia Electronic Engineering Technical Division (IEM eETD), Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Penang Joint Chapter, and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Malaysia Section.

Inspiring Future Discoveries

The successful completion of the “Seeing the Unseen” workshop reflects what can be achieved when education, industry and the wider community come together with a shared commitment to inspiring innovation and developing future talent.

At UOW Malaysia, initiatives such as this reflect the University's commitment to providing future-ready education that extends beyond the classroom.

Sometimes, the most important discoveries begin by simply looking a little closer.