JOHOR BAHRU, 26 May 2025 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) hosted its annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition as a key highlight of Research Carnival Month 2025. Held at the CDex Hall, Block F54, UTM Johor Bahru, the event brought together some of the university’s most promising postgraduate researchers to present their work in an accessible and engaging format.

Originally developed by the University of Queensland, Australia, the 3MT competition has become a globally recognized platform for enhancing academic presentation and research communication skills. Participants are challenged to distill their complex research into a compelling three-minute pitch using just one static slide—no props, no jargon. This format underscores the vital role of clear, concise communication in bridging the gap between academia and the broader public.

This year’s competition featured standout presentations across three main categories: Engineering, Science and Technology, and Social Sciences. Contestants showcased a rich spectrum of research, from artificial intelligence and sustainable engineering to forward-thinking educational methodologies—reflecting the breadth of UTM’s academic expertise.

In the Engineering category, the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) led the pack, with Mohamad Aizad Mohd Mokhtar clinching first place and Mohd Shahar Abdullah taking second. Rafiuddin Rohanifrom the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM) secured third place—further affirming UTM’s strength in engineering and international research collaborations.

For Science and Technology, Yee Shi Wee from the Faculty of Science earned top honours with a dynamic presentation on innovative scientific methodologies. Sharifah Khairun Nisa Habib Elias from the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI) took second, spotlighting UTM’s expanding influence in AI research, while Nik Ihtisyam Majdah Nik Razi, also from the Faculty of Science, placed third.

The Social Science category was dominated by the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), with Syaza Soraya Sauli taking first place. Faraliza Ahmed Shukri and Muhammad Nur Azam Ghazali followed in second and third respectively, with research that tackled contemporary educational challenges through innovative pedagogical lenses.

Reaching the final round was a highly competitive process. Thirty finalists—ten from each category—were selected through rigorous preliminary rounds and faculty-level competitions. Their ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and impact earned them a spot before a distinguished panel of judges comprising senior academics and industry experts.

Winners received certificates and cash prizes, with top presenters moving on to represent UTM at the national-level 3MT competition. This year’s event not only celebrated academic excellence but also reaffirmed UTM’s commitment to nurturing future research leaders and promoting impactful science communication within and beyond the university.