JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 8 – The Cancer and Infectious Diseases Research Group (CAID), Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) celebrated a proud achievement after winning the Gold Medal at the New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) 2025, held from 7 to 8 October 2025 at Dewan Sultan Iskandar, UTM Johor Bahru.
The prestigious recognition was presented by Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurbiha A. Shukor, Director of the Centre for Digital and Flexible Learning (UTM CDex), in appreciation of innovative and high-impact teaching and learning initiatives demonstrated by UTM educators. NALI 2025 carries the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI), reflecting UTM’s commitment to advancing education through technology and innovation. The event serves as a key platform for showcasing UTM’s best educational innovations that enhance learning experiences and contribute to the advancement of academic excellence.
The award-winning project, titled “AI-Assisted Learning and Game-Based Strategies for Enhancing Skin Cancer and Sun Awareness in Schools,” creatively integrates AI, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic) learning, and game-based education to enhance public health awareness among secondary school students. The project was led by Dr. Farah Hanis Juhari, together with Dr. Khairunadwa Jemon, Dr. Nurriza Ab. Latif, Dr. Mohd Aizuddin Mohd Lazaldin, Dr. Praseetha Prabhakaran, Dr. Wan Fatin Amira Wan Mohd Zawawi, Dr. Nurzila Ab. Latif, Dr. Saleha Shahar, and Dr. Mohd Helmi Sani.
Before the program, students joined an AI-assisted video to create short campaigns on sun protection and skin cancer awareness. The videos, shared on CAID’s official Instagram page, received strong public engagement, and winners were announced during the Skin Cancer Awareness Program held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Damai Jaya, the host school. Students from SMK Mutiara Rini and SMK Sultan Ismail also attended the event, participating in STEM-based activities such as Play-Doh skin modelling, UV-sensitive bead experiments, and the “Bravery Quest” educational board game that promoted fun, hands-on learning about ultraviolet (UV) protection and skin health.
The initiative made a strong impact on participating students, who demonstrated better understanding of skin cancer prevention, proper sunscreen use, and the importance of daily sun protection. Many participants expressed renewed interest in biology and science-related subjects after engaging in the activities. The success of this program demonstrates how AI and gamification can make science learning more engaging, relevant, and meaningful, while encouraging students to apply healthy practices in their daily lives.
This Gold Medal victory highlights CAID’s continued commitment to advancing innovative and student-centred learning that bridges science, technology, and community impact. The project had previously received a 5-Star Community Project Rating (2024) and was featured in The Star for its creative and meaningful contribution to health education. Another notable achievement from this initiative was the development of a copyrighted educational toolkit, designed to extend the project’s reach and enable similar programs to be implemented in other schools and communities.
“This recognition shows how AI and game-based learning can transform the way we teach and inspire students to become advocates of health, science, and innovation,” said Dr. Farah Hanis Juhari, Principal Investigator. She added that although CAID is primarily a research group, it remains committed to nurturing innovative teaching practices and meaningful community engagement, showing how research can extend beyond the laboratory to inspire learning and public awareness.
