SENAI, June 28 – A group of exceptional undergraduate students from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) showcased their academic excellence and research skills by representing their faculty at the prestigious 9th International Undergraduate Research Conference (IURC) 2025. This important annual event took place on June 28, 2025, at the Le Grandeur Palm Resort in Johor. The conference brought together some of the brightest young minds from various faculties at UTM, providing a platform for scholarly exchange and allowing students to share their research findings with peers, academics, and industry representatives.
The event IURC2025 served as a vibrant and intellectually stimulating platform for multidisciplinary undergraduate research poster exhibitions and competitions. Here, students showcased their Final Year Projects (FYP) to a broader academic and professional audience. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni at UTM, who delivered an opening address highlighting the significance of research-driven education, student empowerment, and interdisciplinary collaboration in preparing graduates for global challenges.
This annual conference not only represents the culmination of UTM students’ undergraduate research efforts but also demonstrates their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems. The event is a cornerstone initiative that promotes the development of future researchers, thinkers, and innovators. It fosters a culture of critical inquiry and analytical thinking while enhancing research visibility both locally and internationally.
Representing MJIIT with pride, a select group of outstanding students was chosen to participate based on the quality and relevance of their Final Year Projects. These projects, guided by their respective supervisors, showcased a diverse range of innovative and impactful research across various engineering fields.
In the field of Computer Science (Software Engineering), Aisyah Nadia Fouzan Naseer presented her research on multiclass cardiac abnormality detection using convolutional neural networks (CNN) based on Cine MRI. Ching Jie Kai conducted a comparative study of deep learning models for rainfall prediction using X-band polarimetric radar data.
In Chemical Process Engineering, Yat Yaw Huei explored biofuel production through co-pyrolysis using modified eggshell catalysts. Harshiny Nadarajan investigated the stability of tyrosinases for detecting bisphenol A, while Eleasha Grace Richard focused on oil removal using chemically modified lemon peel adsorbents.
Within Electronic Systems Engineering, Mak Hoi Mon assessed the impacts of acute stress on blood oxygen saturation through wearable photoplethysmography technology. Tan Ker Qi developed a machine learning-based test case optimization method for system debugging. At the same time, Nur Irdina Fatina Mohammad Faizal measured the propagation attenuation of a helical antenna for underwater communication at 10 MHz.
Lastly, from the field of Mechanical Precision Engineering, Yin Zhi Xuan studied the effects of water adsorption on the tribological properties of carbon steel, and Tong Bao Cheng applied computer vision for precise gait analysis during hydrotherapy leg movements. These projects not only reflect the students’ dedication but also MJIIT’s commitment to nurturing forward-thinking engineers.
Special recognition is extended to Harshiny Nadarajan, who received the Best Poster Presentation Award for her outstanding research under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azila Abd Aziz from the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (CHEE). Additionally, Nelson Tong Bao Cheng was honored with the Industry Choice Award for his impactful project, supervised by Dr. Uswah Khairuddin from the Department of Mechanical Precision Engineering (MPE). These awards attest to the students’ research excellence, innovative thinking, and ability to communicate their work effectively to both academic and industry audiences.
The students were supported by dedicated lecturers from MJIIT, including Dr. Siti Nur Khadijah Aishah Ibrahim, Dr. Neo Chin Chea, and Ms. Dr. Liyana ‘Adilla Burhanuddin. They provided unwavering support and guidance throughout the journey to the IURC and during the presentation phases.
Special thanks and appreciation go to Dr. Noor Asmawati Samsuri from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE) at UTM Johor Bahru for serving as the Academic Evaluator, and to Nurelida Mohd Efendi from Kardex Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. for acting as the Industry Evaluator. Their professional insights and constructive feedback significantly contributed to the students’ learning and development.
The conference offered an excellent platform for MJIIT students to showcase their research capabilities, gain valuable feedback from international experts, and network with fellow student researchers. Their participation not only highlights their individual excellence but also reflects the high academic and research standards upheld by MJIIT.
Congratulations once again to all participating students, lecturers, and supporting staff for making MJIIT’s presence at IURC2025 a truly memorable and impactful success!