Prof. Ir. Dr. Leong Wai Yie, Senior Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Quantity Surveying, INTI International University, has been named a KESATRIA Malaysia Ambassador 2025 by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
The recognition highlights her longstanding efforts in promoting Malaysia as a strategic destination for international business events, spanning high-level engineering forums, innovation expos, and cultural showcases.
“It represents an affirmation that years of hard work, advocacy, and public engagement have contributed meaningfully to Malaysia’s global professional and business standing,” said Prof. Leong. “This recognition continues to motivate me to drive initiatives that foster economic prosperity and knowledge development, while shaping a more sustainable and innovative future for our business events industry.”
(From left) YB Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu, Chairman of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), presenting the KESATRIA Ambassador certificate to Prof. Ir. Dr. Leong Wai Yie.
Prof. Leong’s portfolio demonstrates a distinctive ability to connect disciplines, industries, and regions. Among the events she has led or supported are the ASEAN Women in Engineering Board Meeting, International Women in Engineering Conferences, and the International Innovation Technology Exhibition — each positioning Malaysia as a partner in innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Beyond science and technology, her work in Wushu diplomacy has helped deepen regional ties. Over the years, she has collaborated with institutions across China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Locally, she has introduced Wushu into the education ecosystem through workshops, curriculum development, and inter-varsity championships. “It’s more than sport. It’s about identity, discipline, and youth development,” she said.
At INTI and through national collaborations, Prof. Leong has championed research with tangible real-world results. Her emphasis includes technology transfer and commercialisation of biomedical devices, renewable energy systems, and AI diagnostics. These initiatives are supported by key agencies such as the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), MATRADE, and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), as well as professional organisations including the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), the Technological Association of Malaysia (TAM), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
She has also led the development of industry-driven innovation hubs, enabling researchers and companies to co-develop and test technologies in areas such as Smart Manufacturing and Digital Twin Technology. These initiatives establish Malaysia as a prominent centre for applied research with commercial potential.
Over the years, Prof. Leong has led delegations of more than 400 Malaysian inventors to international expos and technology fairs, showcasing Malaysian innovation to global audiences and proving that local research is not only competitive but market-ready.
However, her focus remains firmly on higher education. “Institutions like INTI can do more than teach. We can serve as academic co-hosts for international conferences, professional forums, and startup expos,” she said. She believes that universities should actively bid for major global congresses, working alongside agencies like MyCEB.
Her vision includes stronger links with global universities, professional bodies, and the business events industry, including event tech providers and expo organisers. “We need to innovate in research, explore AR and VR applications, and lead in carbon-neutral event planning. These aren’t future goals. They’re already here.”
Prof. Ir. Dr. Leong Wai Yie (bottom, far left) photographed with YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), YB Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu, Chairman of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and fellow KESATRIA Ambassadors.