JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 5 — A team of outstanding students from the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has successfully advanced to the final round of the Southeast Asia Global Innovation Challenge 2025 (SEA-GIC 2025), a prestigious regional competition celebrating creativity and innovation among young researchers and engineers across Southeast Asia. SEA-GIC 2025 invites undergraduate, A-Level, and diploma students from Southeast Asia and partner countries to showcase innovative ideas under the theme “AI-Driven Chemistry for Planetary Health,” focusing on using artificial intelligence (AI) and chemistry to promote sustainability and health. Organized by the American Chemical Society (ACS) International Student Chapter UTM and the ACS Malaysia Chapter, this competition provides an exciting platform for young innovators to showcase their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
The team, known as “ChemEng”, comprises Muhd Hazim Azatul Amery, Aidi Irfan Azman, and Nurfadilla Hanim Fadil, under the supervision of Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin. Their project, titled “Deep Learning Approach for Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunch Ripeness Detection,” integrates AI and deep learning using image recognition approach to improve the accuracy and efficiency of determining oil palm fruit ripeness, a crucial step in optimizing yield and promoting sustainable agricultural practices within Malaysia’s palm oil industry. This innovative work has earned TeamChemEng a coveted spot among the finalists, showcasing UTM’s commitment to advancing smart technologies and sustainability-focused engineering solutions.
Notably, this project is Aidi’s Final Year Project (FYP) supervised by Dr. Amnani binti Shamjuddin under Chemical Reaction Engineering Group (CREG), UTM through University – Industry Exchange (UNIX) program, conducted in collaboration with UTM industry partner, Victory Enghoe Plantation Sdn. Bhd., Simpang Renggam, Johor.
“Participating in this competition has provided me with invaluable experience and motivation to excel in my final year project. The engagement throughout the journey toward victory has strengthened my determination, enhanced my skills, and inspired me to pursue excellence in my academic and professional endeavours.”
In recognition of their achievement, the team has been awarded an educational trip to Singapore, fully sponsored by the SEA-GIC organizers. The trip will provide the students with valuable exposure to global innovation ecosystems, industry leaders, and emerging technologies that drive sustainable development across the region.
The SEA-GIC 2025 Grand Finals will gather top teams from leading across Southeast Asia to present innovative ideas addressing challenges in technology, energy, and sustainability. The eight finalists are ChemEng and EKLYS from UTM; Airvengers and CHEM4EARTH from Universiti Malaya (UM); UTP Eagle and Aquanova from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP); and Ecothinker from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM); along with the sole representative from Indonesia, Malikah Group from Universiti Islam Indonesia (UII).
Team ChemEng is now preparing to represent UTM and Malaysia in the upcoming final stage with pride and determination.
UTM extends its heartfelt congratulations to Team ChemEng for this remarkable accomplishment and wishes them continued success in the SEA-GIC 2025 Finals. Their achievement stands as a testament to UTM’s dedication in nurturing the next generation of innovative leaders in engineering and technology.
By Muhd Hazim Azatul Amery, Aidi Irfan Azman and Amnani Shamjuddin
