JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 8 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully concluded the 27th Industrial Art and Technology Exhibition and Competition (INATEX 2025) at Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru, marking a celebration of outstanding research and innovation achievements under the theme “Harnessing AI for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.”

Spearheaded by the UTM Innovation and Commercialisation Centre (ICC), Department of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation), this year’s INATEX united innovators & researchers from across disciplines to showcase technologies with strong commercial potential and global relevance. The exhibition reflected UTM’s ongoing commitment to advancing Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem through academia–industry collaboration.

During the INATEX 2025 and Global Connect 2025 event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between UTM and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia.

The MoU marks a strategic partnership to enhance cooperation in student mobility, staff attachment, technology transfer, and capacity building initiatives between the two institutions. It also underscores a shared commitment to developing training, workshops, and mobility programmes for staff and students, particularly in emerging research and innovation areas.

UTM was represented by Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & Internationalisation), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Director of UTM International and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Azurati Ahmad@Salleh, Director of the UTM ICC, while ITS was represented by Prof. Dr. Agus Muhammad Hatta, Vice Rector (Research, Innovation, Cooperation and Alumni) of ITS.

This collaboration is expected to strengthen regional academic and innovation linkages, further advancing Malaysia–Indonesia partnerships in technology and education.

INATEX 2025 showcased a diverse line-up of activities, from the Exhibition and Innovation Competition to the Maverick Session, ICON Talk, and Product Pitching for the UTM–Industry Grant. The event also witnessed the signing of  MoU and the official launch of the ICCubeX Apprentice Programme. Held in Hall 302, the MAVERICK Session brought together emerging innovators and researchers to share real-world experiences in research translation, entrepreneurship, and innovation leadership. The session served as a dynamic platform for young minds to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from established innovators who have successfully transformed research into market-ready solutions. 

Morning speakers included Dato’ Ts. Dr. Shanmuganathan Palaniappan , Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ECTrons Sdn. Bhd.; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liza Handayani Md. Salleh, Founder of HA Southern Sdn. Bhd.; and Assoc. Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Hazim Nik Malek, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science, UTM; who shared insights on leadership, innovation, and prototype development.

In the afternoon, Nur Bayyaryah Humirah Md Fariz from Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), Ts. Irfan Anwar from Patentsworth International Sdn. Bhd., and Lok Choon Hong from Pintas IP Group discussed the importance of intellectual property, partnerships, and global commercialisation strategies.

The session inspired participants to explore new pathways for innovation, reinforcing UTM’s commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and emerging entrepreneurs.

In addition to the exhibitions and forums, INATEX 2025 also featured the Product Pitching UTM–Industry Grant session, where nine research teams presented their innovations to industry representatives and evaluators. Conducted in Rooms 304 and 305, the session served as a strategic platform for UTM researchers to highlight technologies with strong commercial potential in areas such as smart systems, sustainable materials, health innovation, and engineering solutions. The pitching activity further strengthened the link between academia and industry, reinforcing UTM’s mission to accelerate research translation and drive the commercialisation of impactful technologies that contribute to Malaysia’s innovation and economic growth.

The ICON Talk Forum held on the 2nd day of INATEX 2025, convened thought leaders from academia and industry to share global perspectives on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. The session was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Azurati Ahmad@Salleh, and featured distinguished panellists including Prof. Dr. Shokhrukhbek Ruziev, Director, Advanced Engineering School (Industrial Engineering), Fergana State Technical University (FSTU), Uzbekistan; Prof. Dr. Agus Muhammad Hatta, Vice Rector (Research, Innovation, Cooperation & Alumni), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Husain, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Strategy & Global Eminence) of UTM.

The discussion centred on strengthening international academic–industry cooperation and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation to address global challenges. The session also reflected UTM’s commitment to fostering strategic alliances through UTM Global Connect 2025, reinforcing the university’s role as a regional innovation hub that connects ideas, industries, and institutions across borders.

Building upon this momentum, the event continued with the INATEX 2025 Closing Ceremony, officiated by Prof. Dr. Rosli Md. Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), together with Ts. Dr. Indera Shaiful Baharudin, Executive Vice President, Technology Ecosystem Development Business Division, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC). The ceremony celebrated the achievements of UTM’s innovators and marked another milestone in advancing Malaysia’s research and commercialisation excellence.

A significant highlight was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Exchange between UTM and MTDC, symbolising a deepened partnership in research translation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship development. The collaboration aims to enhance the national innovation capacity and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional technology leader.

Also in attendance were Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Azurati Ahmad@Salleh; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ramesh K.S. @ Mohd Zaidi Abd. Rozan, Deputy Directors of ICC; and Dr. Ma Kalthum Ishak, Deputy Directors of ICC and INATEX 2025 Programme Director, alongside deans, research alliance chairs, and innovators from UTM and partner institutions.

In conjunction with INATEX 2025, UTM ICC also launched the ICCubeX Apprentice, an intensive innovation and entrepreneurship programme designed to cultivate creative thinking, business acumen, and market-oriented problem-solving among UTM students and researchers.

The ICCubeX Apprentice stands as one of the flagship initiatives of the UTM ICC under Blueprint@enVision 2025. This visionary programme is designed to nurture the next generation of young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs  drawn from among UTM’s undergraduate, postgraduate, and alumni communities. Through structured mentorship, industry exposure, and commercialisation support, this initiative empowers participants to transform their innovative ideas into real, viable startups with strong commercial potential. Through this initiative, participants will undergo a nine-month journey that transforms their innovative ideas into viable startups with real commercial potential.

Today, UTM is proud to recognise and support nine promising apprentice startups, each receiving a mock cheque worth RM20,000 amounting to a total seed funding of RM180,000 to jumpstart their entrepreneurial journey. These young innovators represent the future of Malaysian entrepreneurship, bold, creative, and driven to make a difference. 

In her heartfelt address Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Azurati Ahmad@Salleh reflected on the inclusive, collaborative, and compassionate essence of INATEX 2025.

“INATEX 2025 is more inclusive than ever before. We are proud to create a collaborative space where innovators from diverse fields can come together to explore opportunities for commercialisation and partnership,” she said.
“While we celebrate progress, we also remember our brothers and sisters in Gaza and the Sumud Flotilla mission. Their courage and perseverance inspire us to innovate not only for progress, but for people.”

In his closing remarks Prof. Dr. Rosli Md. Illias congratulated all participants, judges, and organisers for their dedication and success.

“UTM’s innovation ecosystem continues to drive impactful technologies that serve communities, industries, and the nation’s sustainable development aspirations,” he said.

The INATEX 2025 Award Presentation Ceremony recognised exceptional inventions demonstrating excellence in research, innovation, and commercialisation potential.  of 33 innovators participated in INATEX 2025, with 7 projects awarded Gold, 9 receiving Silver, and 10 earning Bronze medals. These innovations exemplify excellence across diverse fields including artificial intelligence, smart materials, renewable energy, digital healthcare, and sustainable engineering.

The prestigious Best Invention Award was presented to Prof. Dr. Suhairul Hashim for his groundbreaking project titled “Wireless Transmission System for Radiation Portal Monitoring (MYRPM)”, a technology that enhances real-time monitoring and safety in radiation detection systems. The same innovation also earned him the Special Award for Commercialisation, reflecting its strong readiness for market adoption and industrial application. 

Prof. Dr. Suhairul  received a trophy, certificate, and a mock cheque of research grant worth RM50,000, together with an IP Commercialisation Advisory & Consultancy Package valued at RM10,000, offered through Patentsworth International Sdn Bhd’s flagship initiative — BERDAYA (Program Pemberdayaan Komuniti Harta Intelek).

Meanwhile, the Special Award for Industry went to Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Safuan A. Rashid for his innovative project, “A Real-Time Monitoring System Driven by Rainfall Thresholds”, which supports disaster preparedness and environmental management through data-driven early warning systems. The winner received a trophy and certificate.

As part of UTM’s flagship Global Connect 2025 initiative, 27th INATEX 2025, with UTM University Presidents Forum (UTM-UPF2025), New Academia Learning Innovations (NALI2025), and D-8 Network of Pioneers in Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI) Summit 2025, serves as a platform for fostering collaborations between researchers, industries, and policymakers. The event also reinforces UTM’s vision of “Innovating Sustainable Solutions” — advancing technology that contributes to economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and societal well-being.

UTM ICC extends its heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors, collaborators, and partners whose support made INATEX 2025 a resounding success. Special recognition goes to Patentsworth International Sdn. Bhd., the Platinum Sponsor, for their invaluable contribution and continuous partnership in strengthening the innovation and intellectual property ecosystem at UTM.

ICC also expresses sincere gratitude to all corporate partners, industry collaborators, and supporting agencies for their commitment in nurturing innovation excellence and empowering UTM researchers to translate ideas into impactful technologies for the nation and beyond.

 

Authors: Ts. Dr. Norhayati Mohamed Noor, AMIChemE (UTM ICC Strategic Officer & Head of INATEX 2025 Taskforce) & Dr. Ma Kalthum Ishak (UTM ICC’s Deputy Director and INATEX 2025 Programme Director)