IVIC 2025 : IVI Director's Speech

 

Speech by the Director, Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), UKM

At the Opening Ceremony of the 9th International Conference on Visual Informatics (IVIC’25)
12 November 2025

 

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
and a very good afternoon.

It is indeed a great pleasure and honour to welcome all distinguished guests, keynote speakers, paper presenters, and participants to the 9th International Conference on Visual Informatics (IVIC’25).

This year’s conference is organized by the Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in collaboration with the Malaysian Information Technology Society (MITS) and Globalfront International Sdn. Bhd., together with our strategic partner, the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC).

On behalf of IVI and the organizing committee, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all our partners, sponsors, and supporting organizations for their invaluable contributions in making IVIC’25 possible.

 The theme of this year’s conference, “Future AI-Powered Visual Informatics,” is both timely and visionary. It reflects our collective commitment to explore how Artificial Intelligence continues to revolutionize the way we live, work, and innovate.

Visual Informatics stands at the intersection of Intelligent Data Analytics, Computer Vision, Advanced Reality and Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber Security, Energy Informatics, Applied Artificial Intelligence, and Business Intelligence. Together, these domains shape the foundation of the digital economy and drive the next wave of transformation in science, industry, and society.

 Since its inception, IVIC has evolved into a respected international platform that brings together researchers, academicians, industry experts, and policymakers from around the world. It serves not only as a venue for knowledge sharing but also as a bridge that connects ideas, people, and technologies — empowering us to design a smarter and more sustainable future.

The collaboration between Malaysia and China through this conference demonstrates the importance of cross-border partnerships in advancing AI-driven innovation, digital transformation, and human capital development. We hope that this collaboration will continue to expand, fostering long-term academic and industrial cooperation that benefits our nations and the wider global community.

 At the Institute of Visual Informatics, we are deeply committed to advancing research that integrates technology with human potential. Through initiatives like IVIC, we aim to create impactful research ecosystems that nurture innovation, strengthen industry-academia collaboration, and inspire the next generation of digital leaders.

 As we begin this exciting journey together, I encourage everyone here to take full advantage of the opportunities this conference offers — to exchange ideas, build networks, and explore new frontiers in AI-powered visual informatics. May your discussions today spark collaborations that lead to real-world impact and lasting innovation.

 Before I conclude, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UESTC, MITS, Globalfront International Sdn. Bhd., and all our partners and sponsors for their strong support and dedication. My deepest gratitude also goes to the organising committee members for their tireless effort and professionalism in making IVIC’25 a success.

May this conference mark another milestone in strengthening international collaboration and advancing research in visual informatics for a brighter digital future.

Thank you. Xie xie. Terima kasih.

IVIC 2025 : University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China

10-15 November 2025

Thank you everyone, we have a great time together, and organising an wonderful event to build the good relationships and good exchange between Malaysia and China higher education, wish we will proceed with more events in the future. For a committee from both Malaysia and China, appreciate your contributions to make this conference success. For China committee members, welcome to visit Malaysia.

Teks Ucapan Pengarah : Majlis Pemakaian Jubah Graduasi 2025 IVI, UKM (22 November 2025)

 

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Terima kasih diucapkan kepada saudari pengacara majlis.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh dan salam sejahtera.

 

Yang berbahagia,
Profesor Madya Dr Rabiah Abdul Kadir,
Mantan Pengarah Institut Informatik Visual,

 

Yang berusaha,
Prof. Madya Dr. Mohammad Nazir Ahmad

Timbalan Pengarah Institut Informatik Visual,

Ahli-ahli Pengurusan Institut,
Barisan penyelia dan para graduan yang diraikan,
serta hadirin dan hadirat sekalian.

 

Alhamdulillah, marilah kita sama-sama memanjatkan setinggi-tinggi kesyukuran ke hadrat Allah SWT kerana dengan limpah kurnia dan izin-Nya, kita dapat berhimpun dalam Majlis Pengiktirafan Penyelia dan Pemakaian Jubah IVI 2025 ini — sebuah majlis penuh bermakna yang meraikan kejayaan, ilmu dan dedikasi seluruh warga IVI.

Saya ingin mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah dan penghargaan kepada Unit Siswazah IVI atas usaha berterusan menganjurkan majlis ini yang kini menjadi tradisi tahunan institut. Majlis ini bukan sekadar acara simbolik, tetapi manifestasi kepada semangat keilmuan, penghargaan dan kecemerlangan penyelidikan yang menjadi teras kepada IVI.

 

Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,

Tahun ini, kita berbangga dengan pencapaian enam (6) orang graduan Doktor Falsafah (PhD) dan tiga (3) orang graduan Sarjana (Masters) yang akan bergraduasi sempena Majlis Konvokesyen UKM Ke-53, yang berlangsung dari 22 November hingga 4 Disember 2025.

Bagi pelajar Sarjana IVI, sidang konvokesyen akan diadakan pada 27 November 2025, manakala pelajar PhD akan diraikan di Sidang Canselor pada 22 November 2025.

Perjalanan menuju ke tahap ini bukanlah sesuatu yang mudah. Ia menuntut ketabahan, kesabaran, dan iltizam yang tinggi, bukan sahaja daripada pelajar, tetapi juga daripada para penyelia yang menjadi tunjang bimbingan mereka. Pemakaian jubah pada hari ini melambangkan bukan sekadar pakaian kejayaan, tetapi simbolik pewarisan ilmu — dari guru kepada murid, dari penyelia kepada sarjana baharu.

 

Kejayaan para graduan ini juga mencerminkan daya saing dan keteguhan IVI sebagai sebuah institut penyelidikan berimpak tinggi yang sentiasa mendukung hasrat Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia dalam melahirkan penyelidik yang berwawasan dan berintegriti, selaras dengan moto UKM —
“Ilmu, Mutu, Budi.”

 

Moto ini bukan sekadar kata-kata, tetapi falsafah yang menjiwai setiap langkah warga IVI — untuk menuntut ilmu dengan tekun, menghasilkan mutu yang tinggi, dan menzahirkan budi dalam setiap tindakan dan keputusan.

 

Saya juga ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada para penyelia atas dedikasi dan keprihatinan dalam membimbing pelajar menelusuri dunia penyelidikan yang mencabar. Tidak dilupakan juga seluruh warga IVI — pensyarah, penyelidik, dan staf sokongan — atas komitmen dan sokongan padu dalam memastikan setiap program dan aktiviti akademik institut berjalan lancar.

 

Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,

Marilah kita terus memperkukuh budaya penyelidikan dan inovasi di IVI, agar lebih banyak penemuan dan hasil kerja kita mampu memberi manfaat kepada masyarakat, industri, dan negara. Saya yakin, dengan semangat kolaborasi, nilai integriti, dan kekuatan ilmu, IVI akan terus melakar kejayaan baharu serta menjadi peneraju dalam bidang informatik visual dan teknologi digital negara.

Jubah disarung tanda bererti,
Bukan sekadar pakaian gemilang,
Simbol pewarisan ilmu sejati,
Dari guru kepada sarjana cemerlang.

 

Ketabahan jiwa jadi bekalan,
Kesabaran penyelia tiang utama,
Iltizam padu jadi sandaran,
Melahirkan ilmuwan penuh bermakna.

 

Akhir kata, saya sekali lagi mengucapkan syabas dan tahniah kepada semua graduan dan penyelia atas kejayaan yang membanggakan ini. Semoga kejayaan hari ini menjadi inspirasi kepada generasi penyelidik IVI yang akan datang, dan semoga ilmu yang diperoleh terus dimanfaatkan untuk kemajuan bangsa dan kesejahteraan sejagat.

 

Sekian, terima kasih.
Wabillahi taufiq walhidayah, wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

 

PROF. DR. RIZA SULAIMAN
Pengarah
Institut Informatik Visual (IVI)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

 

  

 

Speech (English Version)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Alhamdulillah, let us together express our highest gratitude to Allah SWT, for with His mercy and blessings, we are able to gather here today for the IVI 2025 Supervisors’ Recognition and Robing Ceremony — a meaningful occasion that celebrates the success, knowledge, and dedication of the entire IVI community.

 

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to the IVI Postgraduate Unit for their continuous effort in organizing this event, which has now become an annual tradition of the institute. This ceremony is not merely a symbolic event, but a manifestation of the spirit of scholarship, appreciation, and research excellence that lies at the heart of IVI.

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year, we take great pride in celebrating the achievements of six (6) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates and three (3) Master’s graduates who will be conferred their degrees during the 53rd Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Convocation, which will be held from 22 November to 4 December 2025.

 

For IVI Master’s students, the convocation session will take place on 27 November 2025, while PhD graduates will be celebrated during the Chancellor’s Session on 22 November 2025.

 

The journey towards this achievement has not been an easy one. It has required perseverance, patience, and steadfast determination — not only from the students, but also from the supervisors who have been the pillars of their guidance. The donning of the academic robe today symbolizes more than an attire of success; it represents the noble transmission of knowledge — from teacher to student, from supervisor to scholar.

The success of our graduates also reflects the competitiveness and resilience of IVI as a high-impact research institute, consistently supporting the aspirations of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in producing visionary and ethical researchers — in line with UKM’s motto:
“Ilmu, Mutu, Budi” — “Knowledge, Quality, Morality.”

 

This motto is not merely a phrase, but a philosophy that embodies every step taken by the IVI community — to seek knowledge with diligence, to pursue the highest standards of quality, and to uphold virtue and integrity in every decision and action.

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my deepest appreciation to all supervisors for their dedication and care in guiding students through the challenging world of research.
My sincere thanks also go to the entire IVI community — lecturers, researchers, and support staff — for their unwavering commitment and teamwork in ensuring the smooth execution of all academic and institutional activities.

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let us continue to strengthen the culture of research and innovation at IVI, so that more of our discoveries and outputs will bring benefits to society, industry, and the nation. I am confident that with collaboration, integrity, and knowledge as our core values, IVI will continue to achieve new milestones and remain a leader in the field of Visual Informatics and Digital Technology in Malaysia.

 

Pantun:

The robe is worn with meaning true,
Not merely cloth of grand acclaim,
It marks the wisdom passed anew,
From teacher’s hand to scholar’s flame.

 

Enduring hearts their strength impart,
Supervisors guiding, firm and kind,
Commitment and passion play their part,
To shape the brilliance of every mind.

 

 

In closing, I once again extend my warmest congratulations to all graduates and supervisors for this remarkable achievement. May today’s success serve as an inspiration for future generations of IVI researchers, and may the knowledge gained continue to benefit our nation and contribute to the well-being of humanity.

 

PROF. DR. RIZA SULAIMAN
Director
Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

WELCOME SPEECH FOR NEW STUDENTS OF IVI (2025)

 

Dear new students, distinguished Fellows/lecturers and staff of IVI.

 

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and a very good day to all of you.

It is with great pleasure and sincere excitement that I welcome you to the Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. You have made a significant and inspiring decision by choosing to join us, and I congratulate each of you for taking this important step in your academic and professional journey.

At IVI, we are more than just a research institute — we are a thriving community committed to excellence in visual informatics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, human–computer interaction, IoT, intelligent data analytics, and many other cutting-edge fields. Here, you will be immersed in a culture that strives not only for knowledge and innovation but also for impact — where your ideas, creativity, and curiosity are encouraged and supported every step of the way.

As postgraduate students, you are entering a realm of higher responsibility, deeper learning, and more challenging research. You will be pushed beyond what you thought possible. There will be late nights, experiments that don’t go according to plan, and questions that seem too big to answer. But there will also be breakthroughs, mentorships, collaborations, friendships, and satisfaction in seeing your ideas come to life. It is in these moments — the challenging and the triumphant alike — that you will grow not just as scholars, but as innovators, leaders, and contributors to society.

Here are a few thoughts as you embark on this journey:

 

1. Embrace curiosity & experimentation. The world of visual informatics and related technologies is evolving rapidly. Try ideas. It's okay to fail sometimes — some of our greatest lessons come through what doesn’t work.
2. Collaborate and build networks. Make use of the labs, the faculty, your fellow students. Engage with research groups — whether in Applied A.I., Simulation & Computer Vision, Information Systems & IoT — the breadth of expertise at IVI is yours to explore.
3. Stay grounded in impact. As you work on theories, models, or systems, remember that your work has the potential to shape society, industries, and the lives of people. Let ethics, sustainability, and real-world relevance guide your research.
4. Balance and well‐being. Postgraduate life can be intense. Take care of your health, take breaks, reach out when you need support. Whether it's academic, emotional, or logistical, you are not alone — IVI and UKM provide many resources to assist you.
5. Set goals, and revisit them often. Define both your short‐term and long‐term aims. Whether your goal is to publish, teach, translate research into industry applications, or start something new — keep them visible, track your progress, and adapt as needed.

 

To our faculty and staff: thank you for your tireless dedication. Your guidance, mentorship, and passion are what empower our students to excel. To our new students, I encourage you to fully immerse yourselves, to ask questions, to challenge norms, and to contribute uniquely to the IVI community.

In closing, I wish all of you an inspiring, productive, and fulfilling time at the Institute of Visual Informatics. May you find not only knowledge and success, but also purpose, connections, and growth that stay with you far beyond your years here.

A Malaysian pantun :

Selamat datang ke IVI kita,
   Tempat ilmu berkembang jaya,
Semangat belajar janganlah lupa,
   Masa depan cerah menanti kita

 

[Welcome to IVI, a place where knowledge grows bright, keep your spirit in learning full, a bright future awaits in sight.]

Once again, welcome to IVI — welcome to this journey. Let us build something remarkable together.Thank you. Terima kasih.

Prof. Dr. Riza Sulaiman

Director, IVI UKM

 

Carta Organisasi IVI, UKM 2025

 

Pengalaman Pentadbiran

 

Sekadar renungan masa lampau. Sejak UKM sudi menrima saya bekerja sebagai tenaga akademik bermula tahun 1986 hingga kini, saya berpeluang memegang beberapa jawatan pentadbiran. Semoga semuanya dikira sebagai ibadah oleh Allah. Dijangka pencen wajib pada tahun 2030. Insya Allah.

Terima kasih Allah, Alhamdulillah.

 

Just a reflection on the past. Since UKM was willing to accept me to work as an academic staff starting in 1986 until now, I have had the opportunity to hold several administrative positions. Hopefully all of them are considered as worship by Allah. It is expected that mandatory pension will be in 2030. God willing.

Thank you Allah, Alhamdulillah.

Terima kasih UKM

UCAPAN PENERIMAAN JAWATAN : Riza bin Sulaiman

 

UCAPAN PENERIMAAN JAWATAN PENGARAH DAN PENGHARGAAN KEPADA MANTAN PENGARAH

 

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Salam sejahtera dan salam hormat kepada semua.

Dari Pekan ke Masjid Tanah,
Bawa bekalan sekarung lokan;
Saya dipanggil memikul amanah,
Mohon sokongan, kita jayakan.

Segala puji dan syukur saya panjatkan ke hadrat Allah SWT kerana dengan limpah kurnia-Nya, saya diberikan amanah dan kepercayaan untuk memegang jawatan sebagai Pengarah. Saya menyedari bahawa ini bukanlah satu penghormatan semata-mata, tetapi satu tanggungjawab besar yang perlu saya pikul dengan penuh amanah, dedikasi dan keikhlasan.

Setiap kali saya diberi amanah, saya akan kongsikan pegangan saya daripada ucapan Sayyidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq r.a. ketika dilantik menjadi Khalifah, beliau telah berkata:

"Wahai manusia! Sesungguhnya aku telah dilantik menjadi pemimpin kamu, padahal aku bukanlah orang yang terbaik dalam kalangan kamu. Jika aku berlaku baik, bantulah aku; jika aku bersalah, betulkanlah aku. Kebenaran itu adalah amanah, dan kebatilan itu adalah khianat."

Ucapan ini mengingatkan saya bahawa kepimpinan adalah suatu amanah yang perlu dipandu oleh nilai keadilan, ketelusan dan rasa tanggungjawab terhadap orang yang kita pimpin. Tidak patut ada cakap-cakap belakang kerana ini bukan ajaran agama kita. Saya mohon agar semua warga IVI sentiasa menegur dan menasihati saya sekiranya saya tersilap langkah, tegur secara berhemah dan berhadapan. serta bersama-sama berganding bahu dalam membawa organisasi ini ke arah kecemerlangan.

Insya Allah aka nada beberapa amalan kepimpinan Islam yang saya amalkan, di antaranya :

• ·       Memudahkan dan bukan menghukum (Facilitate and not Penalise).
• ·       Mengenal pasti kekuatan individu dalam pasukan (Identify strength of individual in team).

Saya juga ingin merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada mantan Pengarah, Prof. Madya Dr Rabiah Abd Kadir, atas kepimpinan cemerlang beliau sebelum ini. Sumbangan, idea dan usaha beliau telah meninggalkan kesan yang sangat bermakna dan menjadi asas kukuh kepada perjalanan kita seterusnya. Semoga segala jasa beliau diberkati dan terus menjadi inspirasi kepada kita semua.

Kayuh perahu di tengah bendang,
Bawa bekalan berkongsi makan;
Berat sama kita pikul dan galang,
Ringan sama kita jinjingkan.

 Akhir kata, saya berharap agar segala usaha yang bakal kita laksanakan akan dipermudahkan dan diberkati Allah SWT. Marilah kita terus bekerjasama dengan semangat yang tinggi demi mencapai visi dan misi IVI kita.

 Sekian, terima kasih.

 Prof. Ir. Dr. Riza bin Sulaiman