UM iFEST 2026 Attracts Over 10,000 Visitors, Showcases 2,800 Student Innovations
Universiti Malaya (UM) once again demonstrated its excellence in innovation and research through the successful organisation of the Universiti Malaya Ideas Festival (iFEST) 2026, which attracted more than 10,000 visitors, exhibitors, industry representatives, and academics. The large-scale festival featured over 2,800 final-year student projects from 17 faculties.
The closing ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir. With a more comprehensive format, UM iFEST 2026 brought together several key university initiatives, including the Undergraduate Final Year Project (UG FYP) Exhibition, the International Transdisciplinary Research Conference (INTRAC), the Universiti Malaya Research and Innovation Showcase (UMRIIS), and the UMStepUP Career Carnival.
A total of 401 professional judges from industry and academia evaluated projects spanning nine major clusters, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, engineering, sustainability, education, and entrepreneurship.
The festival served as a platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas and research while fostering strategic collaborations with industry partners and enhancing graduate employability. UM iFEST 2026 was also held in conjunction with Universiti Malaya’s 121st anniversary celebration, reflecting the university’s continued commitment to advancing world-class education, impactful research, and innovation.
