On Thursday (20/2/2025), the WUACD hosted a guest lecture titled “Bridging Academia to Industry” by Prof. Ir. TS Dr. Sharul Kamal bin Abdul Rahim from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) at Tarumanegara Hall, ASEEC Tower, Universitas Airlangga. Prof. Sharul, a leading expert in telecommunications engineering, introduced the audience to UTM’s academic initiatives and his doctoral research on beamforming at the University of Birmingham, a technology for modern wireless communication. Through this lecture, he discussed the translation of his academic research into practical industry applications to create collaboration between universities and businesses.

Prof. Sharul began the lecture by sharing his career journey and his experiences in telecommunications engineering and academia before taking on his current role as the Principal of Kolej Tuanku Canselor at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Following this, he introduced UTM and its role as a leading institution in engineering and technology, highlighting its campuses, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a strong emphasis on innovation in IC5G 5G. He explained how UTM advances research in telecommunications and signal processing, providing students with hands-on experience through cutting-edge laboratories and research collaborations with universities and industry leaders.

Building on his discussion of academia-industry collaboration, Prof. Sharul shared how his research has been applied to enhance public transportation systems in Johor Bahru through the development of transparent and flexible antennas. He mentioned that these antennas have been integrated into ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) display systems at bus stops to generate stronger signal reception and provide more accurate real-time updates for commuters.

Unlike traditional antennas, the flexible and transparent design allows for seamless installation on display panels and other surfaces without disrupting visibility or aesthetics. This innovation improves connectivity and data transmission, making public transport more efficient and user-friendly. Prof. Sharul explained that this project shows how academic research can drive practical technological advancements, bridging the gap between theoretical studies and real-world applications. Additionally, it provides valuable hands-on experience for students, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhance their problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to industry-relevant innovations.

Prof. Sharul’s lecture emphasized the critical link between academic research and industry applications, suggesting how technological advancements can help solve real-world problems. From his work in telecommunications engineering to the development of innovative antenna technology for public transportation, he conveyed the importance of university-industry collaboration in driving effective solutions. Cities in Indonesia, such as Surabaya, might benefit from similar initiatives by creating a more accessible and efficient public transportation network that serves a diverse variety of passengers. This guest lecture provided students with valuable insights into the challenges and advancements in public transit accessibility, equipping them with a deeper understanding of how technological innovations can improve urban mobility.