USM Postgraduate Wins Gold Medal at I3DC 2025 for Innovative Sustainable Housing Solution
A PhD student at the School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has received a Gold Medal Award at the International Invention, Innovation and Design Competition (i3DC) 2025. The event, held in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, featured over 1,000 projects across various fields.
Innovative Project Presentation
Afiya Abdul Sattar, an international student from India, presented her project titled “Advanced Foamed Concrete Blocks Engineered from Waste Resources for Low-Carbon and Affordable Housing Solutions.” The project attracted interest for its potential patents and market applicability.
Research Focus and Environmental Benefits
The focus of Afiya’s research is on developing eco-friendly and economically viable alternatives to traditional construction materials by utilizing waste resources to create high-performance foamed concrete blocks. This innovation aims to tackle significant industry issues such as rising construction costs and the environmental degradation caused by excessive resource exploitation.
Sustainable Building Solutions
The lightweight foamed concrete blocks aim to reduce reliance on conventional materials, including river sand and cement, while providing a sustainable building option. The project addresses several critical concerns, including high construction costs, environmental impacts from resource extraction, and the management of construction and demolition waste, thereby facilitating affordable housing for low- and middle-income communities.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Additionally, Afiya’s work is aligned with various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including promoting sustainable industrial innovation (SDG 9), ensuring affordable and resilient housing (SDG 11), supporting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and contributing to climate action by reducing carbon emissions (SDG 13).
Recognition and Support
The i3DC 2025 was supported by five strategic partners and served as a platform for showcasing advancements in technology and design. Afiya acknowledged the significant role of her supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Sr Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin, in her preparation for the competition. Her achievement reflects USM’s commitment to promoting innovative research in green technology and construction practices.
(Original source: USM News)
