Universities Unite for Innovation at I.D.E.A. Fair 2025: A Platform for Student Creativity and Collaboration
The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Engineering Campus, in conjunction with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch, has organized the I.D.E.A. Fair 2025, an event focused on showcasing student innovation and creativity. Participants representing nine universities from across Malaysia contributed to the fair.
Opening Remarks by the Director
Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, the Director of the Engineering Campus, spoke on behalf of the USM Vice-Chancellor at the event and acknowledged the efforts of those involved, particularly the organizing committee.
Commitment to Innovation
The I.D.E.A. Fair serves to emphasize the university’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting innovation, and facilitating interdisciplinary learning. In her address, Mariatti recognized the significant role that UiTM Penang Branch plays as a co-host and highlighted the advantages of collaborative initiatives within higher education.
Influence of Student Projects
During the fair, Mariatti pointed out that the projects presented are not merely academic exercises; they hold the potential to influence industries and benefit communities.
Importance of Collaboration
Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nor Azlan Othman, Advisor to the UiTM Robotics Club (Penang Branch), reiterated the importance of innovation and academic partnerships. He emphasized that collaboration, creativity, and innovation are vital for a successful future and urged participants to engage with stakeholders at the event to foster discussions that may lead to new collaborations and discoveries.
Vision for the Event
Fatin Nur Izzati Jamal Abd. Nasir, President of I.D.E.A. Fair 2025, articulated her vision for the event, which seeks to enhance accessibility and engagement with technology for students. She credited her passion for technology and prior experiences at exhibitions as motivating factors for her involvement.
Support from Sponsors
The event was supported by Hotayi Electronic (M) Sdn. Bhd., the primary sponsor, which contributed to this student-led initiative. Fatin acknowledged the support from Hotayi and all exhibitors, recognizing their confidence in the project’s potential.
Participating Institutions
I.D.E.A. Fair 2025 featured innovations from nine institutions, including 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.
Inspiration for Future Generations
This event highlights the collaborative efforts within the educational sector, aspiring to inspire future generations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
(Source: USM News)
