UNIVERSITY–INDUSTRY–STUDENT SYNERGY SHAPES STEM ECOSYSTEM AT IDEA SCIENCE FAIR 2026

NIBONG TEBAL, 11 April 2026 - The organisation of IDEA Science Fair 2026 continues to serve as a strategic platform in strengthening a culture of innovation and creativity among students, bringing together hundreds of school and university participants from across Malaysia.

The two-day programme, held on 11 and 12 April 2026 at Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), also highlighted strong collaboration between universities and industry in empowering the nation’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) ecosystem.

The programme was officiated by the Campus Director of the Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, representing the Vice-Chancellor of USM.

In her opening speech, she stated that the activities conducted throughout the programme demonstrated how engineering theory can be practically applied to develop solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She also noted that the programme not only provided constructive interaction between participants and judging panels, but also offered students direct opportunities to receive valuable feedback as preparation for the real industrial environment.

According to her, IDEA Science Fair is not merely a design exhibition each year, but a manifestation of USM’s commitment to translating SDGs into practical solutions.

“Aligned with the theme ‘Innovating Minds, Designing the Future’, the programme showcases how students integrate engineering precision with human values in addressing real-world challenges,” she said.

She added that USM remains committed to producing talent who are not only technically excellent but also adaptable and community-oriented in contributing to societal progress.

“Moreover, the programme received strong support from industry, with 14 sponsoring companies participating as evaluators and mentors to ensure student innovations remain relevant to industry needs and have commercialisation potential,” she added.

IDEA Science Fair 2026 aims to further strengthen creativity and innovation among primary and secondary school students, while also providing early exposure to real working environments for participating university students.

This initiative is further supported through creative exhibitions that serve as a platform to enhance public interest and awareness of STEM.

The event also featured STEM competitions and Roboquest, which attracted approximately 40 teams from various states nationwide, representing secondary schools, matriculation/STPM/pre-university, and university categories, reflecting strong support for the initiative.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Courtesy of IDEA Science Fair 2026 Committee