Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) academic, Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Yew Ming Kun, along with his team representing Majlis Perbandaran Kajang (MPKJ), achieved significant recognition by securing a place in the final round of the Anugerah Inovasi Negeri Selangor (AINS) Competition. Only 80 teams were selected from a total of 307 participants, with six teams representing MPKJ.
This milestone follows their successful prototype evaluation on 9 July 2024 and a virtual finalist interview held from 5 to 9 August 2024. The UTAR team received an invitation from MPKJ, represented by Mr Asyraf, to present the Four-Star Awards to all team members on 3 March 2025.
From left: Dr Lee, Prof Bernard Saw, Mr Asyraf, Dr Yew, Dr Lim and Dr Beh
The UTAR team comprised LKC FES academics Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Yew Ming Kun (Team Leader), Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Siong Kang, Ir Ts Dr Lee Foo Wei, LAr Ts Dr Beh Jing Han, and Ir Prof Ts Dr Bernard Saw Lip Huat. Their award-winning project, ECO Green Ultra-Lightweight Foamed Floating Concrete, stood out for its innovative approach to sustainable construction materials.
The project focused on ultra-lightweight foamed floating concrete (ULFFC), a self-levelling and self-compacting material with superior thermal and sound insulation, fire-resistance properties and buoyancy performance. The research integrated environmentally friendly oil palm shell components, fulfilling the 3R principles: Recycled, Reusable, and Renewable, while adhering to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standards.
The Anugerah Inovasi Negeri Selangor (AINS) 2024 competition aimed to foster creativity and innovation across various sectors, including public institutions, private companies, universities, and community groups. Themed ‘Innovation and Creativity,’ the competition encouraged the development of new ideas, products, and processes that improve existing technologies and services. The primary objectives of AINS included gathering innovative ideas to enhance service quality and productivity, promoting and recognising outstanding innovations to inspire a culture of creativity, and encouraging sustainable development through environmentally friendly solutions.
Certificates received by Dr Yew and his team
The UTAR team received multiple accolades at AINS 2024, including Certificate - Penilaian Fizikal Anugerah Inovasi Negeri Selangor (AINS), Certificate - Penilaian Dalam Talian (Akhir), Anugerah Inovasi Negeri Selangor (AINS), and Certificate – Four-Star Awards, Kategori Institut Pengajian Tinggi (IPT), Anugerah Inovasi Negeri Selangor (AINS). Winning the AINS competition was a momentous achievement for the UTAR team. Speaking on their success, Dr Yew emphasised the significance of the recognition, saying, “Winning this award validates our commitment to sustainable innovation and engineering excellence. Our research in ultra-lightweight foamed floating concrete not only contributes to the construction industry but also aligns with global environmental sustainability goals. We hope this recognition inspires future innovators to develop impactful solutions for a greener future.”
The UTAR team’s success at AINS 2024 showcases their dedication to research, innovation, and sustainable engineering. Their achievement not only brings pride to the university but also reinforces the importance of developing environmentally friendly and practical construction materials. As they receive their well-earned Four-Star Awards in March 2025, their contributions to innovation and sustainability will continue to inspire the next generation of engineers and researchers.
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