Kuala Lumpur, 29 October 2026 – The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional engineering cooperation, professional excellence and sustainable development through its participation in the 44th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO 44), held from 20 to 22 October 2026 in Bandung, Indonesia.
AFEO Heads of Delegation and Office Bearers: Representing Malaysia and the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) are IEM President, Ir. Yau Chau Fong; AFEO Secretary-General, Ir. Prof. Dr. Tan Chee Fai; AFEO Head Commissioner, Ir. Simon Yeong Chin Chow; and AFEO Treasurer, Ir. Alex Looi Tink Huey.
Hosted by Persatuan Insinyur Indonesia (PII) under the theme “Future of ASEAN: Shared Prosperity and Humanity Through Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization”, CAFEO 44 brought together more than 1,200 engineering professionals, institutional leaders, policymakers and industry representatives from 11 ASEAN Member States.
The IEM delegation was led by IEM President, Ir. Yau Chau Fong, participating in his capacity as Malaysia’s AFEO Head of Delegation.
Advancing ASEAN Engineering Excellence and Regional Competitiveness
CAFEO 44 provided a strategic platform for engineering institutions to exchange expertise, strengthen professional partnerships and address emerging challenges facing the region.
Key discussions centred on sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, electric vehicle battery technologies, data centre development, industrial transformation and the responsible application of emerging technologies.
The conference also reinforced the importance of engineering talent development, professional mobility, international recognition of engineering qualifications and stronger collaboration between academia, industry and professional institutions.
Among the significant outcomes was the adoption of an 11-point regional declaration, addressing public safety, professional integrity, disaster resilience, low-carbon development, responsible artificial intelligence, engineering mobility and inclusive participation in the profession.
The CAFEO Opening Ceremony brought together approximately 1,200 delegates from across ASEAN, reflecting the region’s strong commitment to engineering collaboration and professional excellence.
Strengthening ASEAN Partnerships and Professional Leadership
A memorable highlight of the Opening Ceremony was the symbolic ASEAN Handshake, bringing together engineering leaders representing the 11 ASEAN nations in a celebration of cultural diversity, friendship and regional cooperation.
The conference also featured institutional meetings, technical working groups, industry visits and programmes supporting young and women engineers.
IEM congratulates Dr.-Ing. Ir. Ilham Akbar Habibie, President of PII and outgoing AFEO Chairman, together with CAFEO 44 Chairperson, Ir. Santhi H. Serad, and the entire organising committee for successfully hosting the conference.
Malaysia Assumes AFEO Leadership and Prepares to Host CAFEO 45
A major milestone for Malaysia was the transition of AFEO leadership from Indonesia to Malaysia, with IEM President Ir. Yau Chau Fong assuming the incoming AFEO Chairmanship.
The conference concluded with the ceremonial handover of the AFEO flag to Malaysia, marking the country’s preparations to host CAFEO 45 in Kuala Lumpur in 2027.
This forthcoming regional gathering presents an important opportunity for Malaysia to showcase its engineering capabilities, technological innovations and professional expertise, while strengthening ASEAN collaboration in priority sectors such as:
- Energy transition, renewable energy and battery energy storage systems;
- Sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience;
- Digital transformation, artificial intelligence and data centre technologies;
- Advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation; and
- Engineering education, professional mobility and future-ready talent development.
IEM envisions CAFEO 45 Malaysia 2027 as a platform to promote greater industry participation, encourage knowledge and technology exchange, strengthen international partnerships and elevate Malaysian engineering products and professional services within regional and global markets.
Supporting ASEAN Community Vision 2045
Beyond the conference, AFEO representatives engaged with the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on 23 October 2026, where discussions highlighted the engineering profession’s contribution towards realising ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The engagement addressed resilient infrastructure, technological innovation, digital transformation, climate change, disaster resilience, professional mobility and capacity building.
IEM believes that closer cooperation between engineering institutions, governments, industries and academia will be instrumental in translating ASEAN’s development aspirations into practical engineering solutions that deliver economic, social and environmental benefits.
Looking Ahead: CAFEO 45 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2027
As Malaysia prepares to welcome the ASEAN engineering fraternity in 2027, IEM remains committed to strengthening the engineering profession as a catalyst for innovation, sustainable economic growth and regional competitiveness.
CAFEO 45 Malaysia 2027 will be an opportunity not only to celebrate engineering achievements, but also to translate regional partnerships into meaningful collaborations, investment opportunities and engineering solutions that benefit ASEAN communities.
Engineering Beyond Borders: Connecting Expertise, Advancing Innovation and Shaping ASEAN’s Future.
Official CAFEO Flag Handover Ceremony from Indonesia, represented by Persatuan Insinyur Indonesia (PII), to Malaysia, represented by The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), marking the symbolic transfer of hosting responsibilities for CAFEO 45 in 2027.
