From healthcare needs to future talent: Monash Malaysia showcases rubber innovation at IRGCE and AREF-IC 2026
Monash University Malaysia brought together clinical insight, materials research, industry collaboration and student learning at the 12th International Rubber Glove Conference and Exhibition (IRGCE) 2026 and the co-located Asia Rubber-Elastomer Federation International Conference (AREF-IC) 2026, held from 8 to 10 September at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The Monash delegation included Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, academics, researchers, graduate research students, and undergraduates from our Chemical Engineering, Mechanical and Materials Engineering departments. With Malaysia's rubber glove industry facing growing demands for innovation, quality and sustainability, Monash's participation highlighted the role of universities in connecting healthcare needs, research, industry and talent development.
From the bedside to the production line
At the opening of IRGCE 2026, The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) President Mr Oon Kim Hung emphasised the need for the industry to look beyond manufacturing scale and continue to create value through innovation and adaptability.
“Our future cannot depend only on scale,” he said, while stressing the importance of maintaining confidence in Malaysian-made gloves and protecting the industry's reputation and credibility.
This focus on innovation was echoed by Professor Adeeba Kamarulzaman in her keynote, From the Bedside to the Production Line: What Infectious Diseases Medicine Needs from the Next Generation of Gloves. Drawing on her experience in infectious diseases medicine, Professor Adeeba examined the role of gloves in infection prevention and the challenges that remain, including microperforations, contamination during glove removal, allergic reactions, variations in product quality and the need for task-specific certification.
“Gloves are one part of the answer, not the whole answer.” Professor Adeeba emphasised that effective infection prevention depends not only on access to gloves, but also on appropriate clinical use, verifiable medical-grade quality and training. She also highlighted opportunities for innovation in areas such as breach detection, improved fit, lower-allergen materials and more sustainable production.
Professor Adeeba later joined a panel discussion with Professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng of Sunway University and Datuk Ts Dr Muralitharan Paramasua from Malaysia's Ministry of Health, where she highlighted the importance of strengthening rubber education and talent development to support Malaysia's future competitiveness.
Connecting research with industry needs
The connection between industry needs and talent development is being strengthened through Monash University Malaysia's upcoming Master of Applied Engineering specialisation in Colloids and Polymer Technology, developed in partnership with the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA). Planned for launch in 2027, the specialisation will combine advanced study in polymers, rubber and latex, nanotechnology and materials characterisation with practical industry challenges. It will include guest lectures, case studies, industry visits and industry-based master's projects.
Associate Professor Patrick Tang Siah Ying introduced the pathway at Innovate@IRGCE in his presentation, "Monash Master's Pathway for Future-Ready Rubber and Latex Innovators." A dedicated exhibition booth, supported by MARGMA, also gave participants an opportunity to learn more about the program and explore educational and industry collaborations.
Monash research was also showcased through Dr Darren Low Yi Sern, Research Fellow with the Colloids and Polymers Group, who presented Advanced Rubber Material Innovations for Sustainable Glove and Protective Applications. His keynote highlighted research on advanced rubber materials and functional protective products, with potential applications in safer, more sustainable gloves and related products.
Developing the next generation of talent
Talent development extended across postgraduate and undergraduate education at AREF-IC 2026. Graduate research students from Chemical Engineering, Mechanical and Materials Engineering presented posters on polymers, rubber and functional materials, giving them opportunities to discuss their research with academics and industry professionals from across the region.
The Plastics and Rubber Institute of Malaysia (PRIM) President Mr Sin Yoong Cheong highlighted the importance of exposing local postgraduate students, doctoral candidates and lecturers to international research and encouraged partners to “nurture talent and build a stronger pipeline of future leaders for the rubber and elastomer ecosystem.”
Undergraduate students enrolled in Nanotechnology and Materials, and Polymers, also participated in an industry-learning program spanning both conferences. Activities included the workshop How to Become a Better Polymer Professional, a guided industry tour led by Datuk Sin Siew Mun of PRIM, technical presentations, poster sessions and visits to the IRGCE exhibition.
The experience connected classroom learning in materials science, nanotechnology and polymer processing with industry applications, while giving students direct exposure to the technologies and career pathways shaping the rubber, polymer and plastics sectors. Across IRGCE and AREF-IC, Monash academics, researchers and students engaged with manufacturers, technology providers, regulators and professional bodies, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and future collaboration. Together, the University's clinical, research, and educational activities demonstrated how universities can contribute across the innovation pipeline, from identifying healthcare needs and developing new materials to building the talent needed to advance rubber and glove innovations.
Monash University Malaysia acknowledges MARGMA, the Malaysian Rubber Council and PRIM for their partnership and support, as well as the speakers, exhibitors, organisers and industry partners who contributed to the events.