MICROPLASTIC AWARENESS DAY 2026
Turning the Tide on Microplastics:
Our Water, Our Health
Join leaders, scientists, and industry innovators at Microplastic Awareness Day (MAD) 2026 to build a plastic-neutral future.
The Details
📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, 11th Nov 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Venue Location: Mei Ling Young Auditorium, Level 4, IMU University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
🎟️ Admission: Complimentary Pass (Pre-registration Required)
Microplastics have transitioned from an emerging environmental concern to a defining challenge of our time, systematically permeating global water networks and infiltrating human food chains.
Co-organized by Leave a Nest Malaysia and IMU University, MAD 2026 bridges the gap between scientific discovery, target-driven public policies, and commercial deep-tech market alternatives. Our goal is to shift the community from awareness to systematic intervention — safeguarding our waters and protecting public health.
What’s On MAD 2026
| Time | Agenda |
| 9:00 am | Registration |
| 9:30 am | Opening Ceremony/Welcoming Remarks |
| 10:00 am | Keynote Address by Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Safari Bin Hj Mat Desa, Director General, The National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) |
| 10:30 am | “Walk the Talk” Sharing Session: – Taylor’s University – Greenpeace – SIRIM |
| 11:00 am | Panel Discussion “Protecting Oceans, Protecting Us” |
| 12:00 pm | Poster | Booth Exhibition | Recycling Station |
| 1:00 pm | Lunch break |
| 2:00 pm | Oral Presentation Session 1 |
| 2:45 pm | Partner Presentation: – IMU University – Project ReMed: From Waste to Worth Building a Circular Economy Through University-Wide Collaboration – Origgin Venture – Microplastic Detection Sensor |
| 3:15 pm | Oral Presentation Session 2 |
| 4:00 pm | Closing & Award Ceremony |
| 4:30 pm | Dismiss |
Parallel Session
9:00 am – 4:30 pm: Booth & Exhibition | Recycling station
9:30 am – 12:30 pm: Tiny Plastic, Big Problem Workshop by Leave a Nest Malaysia
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Give Old Plastic a New Life Workshop by Stinablis
Keynote Address
From Scientific Evidence to Strategic Action: Addressing Microplastics for a Sustainable Water Future.
Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Safari Bin Hj Mat Desa
Director General, The National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM)
With extensive experience in river basin research, hydraulic modelling, water resources and environmental engineering, Dr. Safari has contributed significantly to advancing knowledge and supporting sustainable water management. He holds a PhD in Civil and Structural Engineering, specialising in Physical Hydraulic Modelling, and has led research and professional activities covering river systems, coastal areas, dams, sedimentation and water-related infrastructure. His leadership at NAHRIM, particularly in river basin research, reflects his commitment to strengthening research, innovation and practical solutions for Malaysia’s water resources. He is also a Professional Engineer and ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer, with international recognition in coastal physical hydraulic modelling.
Through his keynote address, “From Scientific Evidence to Strategic Action: Addressing Microplastics for a Sustainable Water Future,” Dr. Safari will share NAHRIM’s perspectives on the growing challenge of microplastics and the importance of translating scientific evidence into meaningful action. His address will highlight NAHRIM’s role in advancing research and scientific understanding of microplastics and translating these findings into practical solutions. The keynote will emphasise the importance of research, collaboration and innovation in protecting Malaysia’s water resources and supporting a safe, resilient and sustainable water future.
Walk the Talk Sharing Session
“Proven Cases, Measurable Impact”
This segment is dedicated to showcasing genuine case studies, field reports, and deployed projects that have successfully reduced single-use plastics, intercepted microplastics at the source, or transitioned communities and businesses to sustainable alternatives. Rather than focusing on what could be done, speakers will report directly on what has been accomplished, the real-world obstacles encountered, and the measurable metrics achieved.
Title: What the Latest Science Is Telling Us About Microplastics and Human Health
Title: Plastic-free Future – Overview of the plastic crisis and the need for real actions
Title: SIRIM Eco-Labelling Scheme
Partner Presentation
“Showcasing Innovation, Solutions, and Collaborative Impact”
The Partner Presentation segment provides a dedicated platform for participating organisations, industry leaders, startups, and research institutions to showcase their innovations, technologies, and initiatives addressing plastic pollution, water sustainability, and planetary health. Through concise presentations, partners will share their expertise, practical solutions, and ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact while promoting responsible practices and sustainable development.
Beyond showcasing achievements, this segment aims to foster meaningful connections between industry, academia, government agencies, and communities, encouraging knowledge exchange, technology adoption, and potential collaborations. By highlighting real-world applications and opportunities for joint action, the session seeks to accelerate the development and implementation of innovative solutions that contribute to healthier ecosystems, cleaner water, and improved human well-being.
Title: From Waste to Worth, Building a Circular Economy Through University-Wide Collaboration
Title: Microplastic Detection Sensor
Be Part of the Solution
Join the experts, activists, and changemakers for Microplastic Awareness Day 2026. Register today to secure your free seat and be part of the growing ecosystem.
General Attendee Registration:
Help Us Raise Awareness
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Our Partners & Collaborators
MAD2026 is brought to you by a collaborative network of industry leaders, dedicated organizers, and supporting partners working together to drive innovation.
Organiser
Co-organiser (Venue Partner)
Partner
Supporting Partners
Recycling Partner
| Recycling Station by Riiicycle Tech |
| Drop off your clean plastic recyclables and other materials (paper, e-waste, etc.) at our smart recycling booth, track your environmental impact digitally, and experience rewards-driven waste recovery in action. |
Workshop Partners
| Give Old Plastic a New Life Workshop by Stinablis |
| This workshop will teach participants how to create wallets out of old plastic bags. Exposing participants to the possibilities of upcycling old plastic bags into products that are functional and improve their lives. Participants will be empowered to create upcycled products with very basic tools and minimal investment, while also reducing the amount of solid plastic waste landing in our landfills. |
Get in Touch
For inquiries or further information, please contact our team:
Dr. Izwan: [email protected]
Dr. Dania: [email protected]
Dr. Nursyuhada: [email protected]