UTM Computing Teams Bring Home Two Awards at IPPIC 2025

Dr. Farkhana Muchtar

JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 10 — Two talented undergraduate students from the Faculty of Computing at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Samin Sarwat and Mohommad Areeb, celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the International Product Profile Innovation Competition (IPPIC2025). Their exceptional work earned them both the Gold Medal and the Best Poster Award, cementing the Faculty of Computing’s reputation as a hub for innovative digital talent.

Held in conjunction with the 6th Technical and Vocational Education and Training International Conference (TVETIC2025) at the prestigious KSL Hotel & Resort in Johor Bahru, the event was organized by UTM’s Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST). The conference brought together esteemed partners, including Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember and Universitas Mulawarman from Indonesia, Kolej Vokasional Tanjung Puteri from Malaysia, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi from Thailand, and the Regional Association for Vocational and Technical Education in Asia (RAVTE).

The event was inaugurated by UTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, with a warm welcome from Professor Dr. Noraffandy Yahaya, Dean of FEST. Insightful keynote addresses by Professor Dr. Ramlee Mustapha and Dr. Mohd Khairul Ikhwan Ahmad focused on Empowering TVET through Innovation in the Digital Economy, setting the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas.

**Award Presentation:** Sarwat Sarmin, Mohommad Areeb and Dr. Farkhana Muchtar receiving Gold Medals and Certificate for Best Project and Best Poster on stage

Under the expert guidance of their mentor, Dr. Farkhana Muchtar, Samin and Mohommad wowed the judges with their innovative project, showcasing the Faculty of Computing’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries. This latest achievement adds to their growing list of accolades under the mentorship of Dr. Farkhana, which includes several notable accomplishments such as Champion at the JCI Johor Bahru Digital Empowerment 365 (2025), Champion at the AI Ideathon, UTM (2025), Champion at the Pitch Lab by Society of Petroleum Engineers-UTM Student Chapter (SPE-UTM) and UTM Centre for Student Innovation & Technology Entrepreneurship (XCITE) (2025), Third Prize at the KNU-UTM Student Innovators Startup Challenge (SISC) (2024), and Runner-up at HatchQuest (2024).

With Mentor: Sarwat Sarmin (left) and Mohomad Areeb (right), together with their mentor Dr. Farkhana Muchtar, proudly holding their certificates and medals.

The Faculty of Computing’s focus on fostering industry-relevant innovation shone through in the students’ success. Samin Sarwat, filled with pride, expressed their excitement about representing UTM as the sole team among the Top 5 grand finalists in the upcoming Shell competition at the end of September 2025, where their cutting-edge application is set to make an impact.

Dean Visiting Projects: Prof. Dr. Noraffandy Yahaya, Dean of FEST, visiting the students’ project showcase during IPPIC2025.

This double win at IPPIC2025 highlights the Faculty of Computing’s dedication to nurturing exceptional talent and driving technological progress. As Professor Dr. Noraffandy Yahaya toured the students’ project showcase, the atmosphere was electric with achievement, perfectly embodying the Faculty’s motto, “Inspiring Digital Talent.” The closing ceremony, captured in a joyful group photo, marked a moment of pride for UTM and its trailblazing students.