It was an overwhelming victory for UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) at the Innovation and Invention Competition through Exhibition 2023 (iCompEx’23). A total of three teams from FEGT won two gold and one silver medals at the national level competition, organised by Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah. The competition was held from 4 to 6 July 2023 at Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (POLIMAS) in Kedah.

This is the eighth participation of the FEGT students and academics since 2016. The competition aimed to serve as a platform for participants to share their research findings with the public.

The winning teams were comprised of Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Environmental) with Honours student Lim Chia Aun and Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Environmental) with Honours student Chieng Li Yen in a team; Master of Engineering Science student Khew Chung Wei, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Petrochemical Engineering student Wong Yi Xuan and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Petrochemical Engineering student Lim Ka Yee in a team; and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Petrochemical Engineering student Goy Chien Kai, Bachelor of Science (Honours) Agricultural Science student Yong Yan Shee, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Petrochemical Engineering student Lee Ying Song, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Petrochemical Engineering student Ng Xin Ni, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Petrochemical Engineering student Wong Yi Xuan in a team.

Chia Aun and Chieng were supervised by FEGT Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Leong Kah Hon and FEGT academic Dr Sim Lan Ching. They participated in Category G: Agriculture, Environment and Renewable Energy and won a gold medal in the competition. The team walked away with gold medals and certificates.

This was followed by another gold medal won by Khew, Wong and Ka Yee. They participated in Category C: Machine, Equipment and Manufacturing Process and walked away with gold medals and certificates. The team was supervised by UTAR FEGT academics Dr Leong Sim Siong, Ir Ts Dr Toh Pey Yi, Dr Lim Chong Hooi and Ts Dr Teoh Yi Peng.

Last but not least, Gou, Yong, Lee, Ng and Wong won the silver medal and certificates. The team was supervised by UTAR FEGT academics Dr Toh and Dr Sim Siong.

One of UTAR FEGT academics, Dr Toh said, “The iCompEx’23 was a good platform for young researchers, scientists and inventors to exhibit and present their innovative ideas in research. Moreover, this competition encouraged students to take part in the R&D field as well as promoted their innovation and creativity in the research project. The iCompEx’23 is a prestigious national event and our participation will promote UTAR as one of the leading universities in Malaysia competing with local higher learning institutions. Furthermore, UTAR students will also benefit from the experience and exposure gained during the R&D competition.”

iCompEx is a competition and exhibition of innovation or new discovery projects. This competition is a platform for young researchers, scientists and inventors to present their ideas and inventions that are beneficial for all in order to promote the country as a regional innovation hub.

The iCompEx’23 has attracted a total of 332 innovative projects from universities, colleges, polytechnics, community colleges, government agencies, and secondary schools. iCompEx is an annual event hosted by POLIMAS since 2013.