FROM IDEAS TO ACTION, UNIVERSITIES UNITE FOR INNOVATION AT I.D.E.A. FAIR 2025

NIBONG TEBAL, 24 May 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Engineering Campus, in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch, launched the I.D.E.A. Fair 2025, a vibrant platform celebrating student innovation, creativity, and interdisciplinary excellence, featuring participants from nine universities across Malaysia.

Representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, Director of the Engineering Campus, officiated the event and expressed heartfelt appreciation to all involved, especially the dedicated organising committee.

“The I.D.E.A. Fair showcases our university’s strong commitment to nurturing talent, promoting innovation, and encouraging interdisciplinary learning,” she said.

In her speech, Mariatti also acknowledged UiTM Penang Branch for their vital role as co-host, highlighting the importance of institutional partnerships in higher education and expressing pride in the collaboration.

“Collaborations like these demonstrate the remarkable achievements possible through cooperation. By pooling our strengths and sharing experiences, we create greater impact and better prepare our students for the future,” she said.

She emphasized that the showcased projects are more than academic exercises as they hold real-world potential to transform industries and uplift communities.

Meanwhile, Advisor to the UiTM Robotics Club (Penang Branch), Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nor Azlan Othman, echoed similar sentiments on the value of innovation and academic collaboration.

“For UiTM, collaboration, creativity, and innovation are key drivers in building a better future. The I.D.E.A. Fair brings together bright young minds to exchange knowledge and spark new ideas,” he said.

He stressed that innovation is no longer a luxury but a necessity, urging academic institutions to equip students not only to adapt to change but to lead it.

He encouraged all participants to engage actively with the event’s stakeholders.

“Let curiosity guide you today. Ask questions, exchange insights, and connect as this should be the beginning of many future collaborations and discoveries,” he added.

The driving force behind the fair, Fatin Nur Izzati Jamal Abd. Nasir, who serves as the President of I.D.E.A. Fair 2025, shared how the event was born from her personal dream to make technology more accessible and exciting for fellow students.

“As a tech enthusiast, I’ve always looked forward to visiting exhibitions, and that curiosity inspired me to bring that experience here, to create a space where others can see how fun, impactful, and meaningful technology can be,” she said.

She also extended sincere gratitude to Hotayi Electronic (M) Sdn. Bhd., the fair’s main sponsor, for supporting a fully student-led initiative.

“Thank you, Hotayi, and to all other exhibitors for believing in us as without your support, this event would not have been possible,” said Fatin.

“Every form of support has helped bring I.D.E.A. Fair 2025 to life and we hope initiatives like this will continue to receive support, enabling the STEM field to flourish and making technology more exciting for future generations,” she added.

I.D.E.A. Fair 2025 proudly features student innovations from nine universities, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch and Shah Alam, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), INTI International University, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), and AIMST University.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Foto: Mohd Kamil Ashar