đź“ť Summary
Researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) secured three Awards of Excellence and First Runner-Up recognition at the 13th Malaysian Road Conference & Exhibition 2026 for their innovative projects in sustainable pavement and road-material development. The projects, which include self-healing polymer for flexible pavement and high-performance pavement technology, demonstrate UTM’s work in advancing resilient and sustainable road construction. The recognitions strengthen UTM’s profile in civil engineering research and innovation.
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 — Researchers from the Pavement and Transportation Research Group (PTRG), Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), secured three Awards of Excellence and First Runner-Up recognition at the 13th Malaysian Road Conference & Exhibition 2026 (MRC 2026) and the 6th International Road Federation (IRF) Global Asia-Pacific Regional Congress, held at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur from 13 to 15 October.
The event brought together national and international leaders, industry players, researchers and innovators in road and transportation infrastructure. The conference, themed “Transforming the Nation through Future-Ready ROADS,” was officially opened by Minister of Works, Dato’ Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The closing ceremony and awards presentation were officiated by Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Dr. Hj. Ahmad Hj. Maslan.
At the MRC–Invention & Innovation Exhibition (MRC–IIE 2026), PTRG FKA UTM received two Gold Awards and one Silver Award. Dr. Mohd Zul Hanif Mahmud led the innovation “Self-Healing Polymer for Flexible Pavement”, which won Gold.
“Everlast Glassmix”, led by Dr. Muhammad Naqiuddin Mohd Warid, also received Gold, while “GRP-NOV Asphalt”, led by Ts. Dr. Mohd Khairul Idham Mohd Satar, won Silver.
The innovations reflect PTRG’s work in sustainable pavement and road-material development, with potential to enhance durability, extend service life and reduce maintenance demands.
“Self-Healing Polymer for Flexible Pavement” offers a material approach intended to improve pavement performance and address premature deterioration.
“Everlast Glassmix” demonstrates the group’s work on asphalt mixtures using innovative materials, while “GRP-NOV Asphalt” adds to its development of high-performance pavement technology.
Together, the projects support efforts to advance resilient and more sustainable road construction.
PTRG also achieved First Runner-Up in the AI Pathfinder: Generative Design for Sustainable Road Design competition through Dr. Mohd Zul Hanif Mahmud.
The result highlights UTM’s work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, generative design and sustainable road planning, where digital tools can support more efficient and environmentally responsible infrastructure development.
The achievements were supported by PTRG researchers, academic staff and six postgraduate students involved in preparing, developing and presenting the innovations.
Their collaboration reflects FKA UTM’s research culture and its efforts to translate laboratory research into practical engineering solutions across pavement engineering, highway materials, construction technology and sustainable infrastructure.
These recognitions strengthen UTM’s profile in civil engineering research and innovation, while supporting national priorities in resilient infrastructure, sustainable construction materials and digital transformation in the road sector.
The recognition also raises the visibility of UTM’s research capabilities and creates opportunities to engage industry and infrastructure stakeholders. The achievements recognise the contributions of the researchers, postgraduate students and supporting team members involved.
Co-authors: Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Norhidayah Abdul Hassan and Dr. Mohd Zul Hanif Mahmud, Faculty of Civil Engineering, UTM
