ATLAS TRIO USM TAKES MALAYSIAN INNOVATION TO NEW HEIGHTS IN PARIS

NIBONG TEBAL, 25 May 2025 - A group of third-year Aerospace Engineering students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently, has earned the prestigious honour of representing Malaysia at the Paris Air Show 2025, following their selection as one of the Top 3 global finalists in the renowned Airbus Fly Your Ideas competition.

The team, known as ATLAS Trio USM, comprises Milia Ainna Nadzira Jain (Team Leader), Mohamed Syahmi Mohamed Sani (Technical Researcher), and Nelda Nathaneva Bokuli (Analyst), under the guidance of their advisor, Dr. Siti Harwani Md Yusoff.

Their concept, titled Cloud Colonies, explores the development of sustainable floating platforms within Venus's upper atmosphere for research, solar energy harvesting, and resource extraction.

"Being selected among the world’s best is a surreal experience! We hope our idea contributes to the future of space exploration and sustainability," said team leader Milia Ainna.

The proposal focuses on building a floating economy 50 kilometres above Venus’s surface, a region considered to have more temperate conditions compared to the planet’s extreme terrain.

“The idea aligns with Airbus’s commitment to sustainability, technological advancement, and forward-thinking space exploration,” said Dr. Harwani.

According to her, the journey began in March 2025 when the team registered for the competition.

“The team’s participation marks a significant milestone for Malaysian students in aerospace innovation and sets a new benchmark for university-level contributions to the global aerospace dialogue,” she said.

"Following weeks of research and development, the students submitted their proposal and introductory video by mid-April, which led to their project being selected among the Top 6 worldwide by the end of the month,” she added.

After refining their concept based on feedback from Airbus engineers and support from Dr. Harwani, the team presented their final pitch to an international panel on 15 May, earning them a place among the Top 3 finalists invited to present at the Paris Air Show.

"This experience has broadened our horizons in aerospace innovation and deepened our problem-solving skills," said Syahmi.

To Syahmi, the Paris Air Show, held bienniall, is one of the most iconic aerospace exhibitions globally, attracting industry leaders, engineers, investors, and innovators.

“ATLAS Trio USM will not only compete for the top prize but also have the opportunity to network with professionals and gain exposure to cutting-edge aerospace technologies,” he added.

Meanwhile, another member, Nelda, said that they are proud to carry both the USM and Malaysian flags to such a prestigious global platform.

“This is not just our achievement, but a national one,” she said.

The final judging and award ceremony will take place during the Paris Air Show in June 2025.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Courtesy of ATLAS Trio USM