A team of UTAR academics and postgraduate students achieved remarkable success at the Malaysia Grand Invention Expo (MaGIEx) 2024, earning Bronze Medals in the Stage 3 - Tertiary Inventor category for their innovative projects. These awards highlight their significant contributions to research and societal development.
From left: Dr Lam, Tan, Dr Seow, Shanthi and Dr Chang
Held online from 1 August 2024 to 15 November 2024, MaGIEx 2024 carried the theme ‘Transforming the Future: Where Industry, Technology, and Education Meet’. The international competition brought together brilliant minds from around the world to celebrate ingenuity and foster collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.
A renowned platform for showcasing transformative ideas that redefine industries and improve lives, MaGIEx 2024 was organised by DIGIT360, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Nusantara Training and Research, Indonesia.
Two outstanding projects from UTAR teams received recognition at the event. The first study, titled “Understanding Human-AI Interaction in Healthcare: The Mediating Role of Trust and Moderating Influence of Cognitive Load”, was conducted by the Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Master of Philosophy student Shanthi Isparan, FBF lecturer Dr Seow Ai Na, and the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) lecturer Ts Dr Chang Jing Jing.
Their study explored trust as a vital element in human-AI collaboration, emphasising the optimisation of AI tools in healthcare to enhance patient outcomes and reduce cognitive strain on healthcare professionals. Their research aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
Shanthi shared, “My research focuses on the human-AI interface in healthcare. Winning this award strengthens my resolve to contribute to improving patient care and trust in technological solutions.”
The other project, titled “The Role of Flexible Work Arrangements and Psychological Well-Being in Shaping Job Performance among Women in the Banking Sector”, was led by FBF Master of Philosophy student Tan Yu Xian and FBF lecturers Dr Seow Ai Na and Dr Lam Siew Yong, along with Dr Tan Chi Hau from Multimedia University. This research delved into gender-focused workplace practices, advocating for improvements in HR policies and promoting global employee well-being. The study aligned with SDG 5, Gender Equality and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Tan expressed, “Winning this award is a testament to my dedication to emphasising workplace well-being. It inspires me to continue exploring meaningful ways to support employee work flexibility and productivity.”
Reflecting on these achievements, Dr Seow Ai Na, the main supervisor for both postgraduate candidates, highlighted the transformative potential of their research. “By participating in these groundbreaking projects, our team has gained recognition that highlights the importance of innovative research in addressing societal challenges and improving human-AI interaction. We emphasise the need for flexible work arrangements, which can enhance the psychological well-being and job performance of female employees. Additionally, we stress the importance of designing AI systems that are intuitive, beneficial, and mindful of cognitive demands to optimise trust in human-AI interaction. This success reflects the strong foundation and support provided by UTAR,” she said.
Dr Seow also expressed gratitude to her co-researchers, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in the success of these projects. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s collective energy and passion. I extend my deepest thanks to each member for their strong commitment,” she added.
The team credited UTAR’s research centres for fostering interdisciplinary research and real-world applications. UTAR’s advanced facilities, esteemed faculty mentorship, and culture of inquiry provided a solid foundation for conceptualising and executing impactful studies. This supportive environment continues to empower researchers to contribute meaningfully to society.
About MaGIEx
The Malaysia Grand Invention Expo (MaGIEx) is an annual international event dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge innovations from across the globe. With its mission to nurture creativity and collaboration, MaGIEx serves as a hub for transformative ideas that redefine industries and improve lives. For more information, visit MaGIEx.
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