Two research teams from UTAR clinched gold medals, while one academic staff member also earned a silver medal at the 35th International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2025, held from 29 to 30 May at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The prestigious event showcased cutting-edge innovations from around the world, offering a platform for researchers, inventors, and institutions to present impactful solutions to real-world challenges.

The first UTAR team, led by Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) academic Ts Dr Wong Mee Chu, comprised LKC FES academics Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Boon Han, Assoc Prof Dr Gulnaziya Issabayeva, Master in Data Management and Analysis student Koh Yong Ser, and Bachelor in Materials Engineering student Tan Ken Sean. Their award-winning invention, A Plant-Based Reinforcement for Improvement of Properties of a Low-Cost and Environment-Friendly Solder Alloy (Sn-Bi), explores the use of natural plant fibres to enhance the mechanical properties of lead-free solder alloy while maintaining its environmentally friendly characteristics. The innovation contributes to the development of sustainable materials in the electronics industry.

The invention offers a green alternative to traditional methods of improving the brittle Sn-Bi solder alloy used in photovoltaic (PV) modules. It enhances strength, reduces brittleness, and remains cost-effective—adding only RM0.50 per module. With over 2.5GW of PV modules installed in Malaysia since 2011, lead-based solder poses a rising e-waste concern. “Our invention provides a sustainable, RoHS- and WEEE-compliant alternative to lead solder, addressing both environmental and industrial needs,” said Dr Wong, noting that even trace levels of lead can cause poisoning.

Dr Wong added, “We utilised something from nature to solve a problem for nature. This award is a validation of the relevance and commercial worthiness of our invention. Thank you UTAR for allowing us to showcase our invention at ITEX 2025, providing us with exposure to interested parties and enabling us to gather invaluable input for the next step forward. Truly blessed to be working with a dream team of Ir Dr Lim Boon Han, Dr Gulnaziya Issabayeva, including our student members Koh Yong Ser and Tan Ken Sean, each of whom gave their very best.”

This marks Dr Wong’s second ITEX gold medal, having previously won the ITEX Gold Award and KASS Best Invention Award in 2013. Her continued success reflects her deep commitment to research excellence and sustainable innovation.

The second gold-winning team was led by Centre for Sustainable Mobility Technologies Chairperson Assoc Prof Ts Dr Jun Hieng Kiat, together with Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Nuur Syahidah Sabran and Master’s graduate Ms Grishika Arora. Their invention, Eco-Friendly Paper Thermoelectric Generators from Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Local Spent Coffee Grounds for Self-Powered Wearable Devices, presents a pioneering paper-based thermoelectric generator as a breakthrough in renewable energy technology.

Unlike conventional thermoelectric devices, their invention uses A4 paper as a flexible and low-cost substrate integrated with carbon quantum dots derived from spent coffee grounds. This novel approach transforms ordinary paper into an energy-harvesting platform capable of converting temperature differences into electrical energy, offering a continuous power source for smartwatches, medical devices, sensors, IoT applications, and other electronic devices. Its simplicity, scalability, and eco-friendliness make it a disruptive advancement in green technology.

Dr Syahidah shared, “Our paper-based thermoelectric generator redefines possibilities in wearable energy harvesting, developing sustainable energy solutions. Winning at ITEX 2025 reinforces our commitment to innovation and turns challenges into opportunities for a greener future.”

In addition to the gold medals, Dr Kaur Kirandeep Kulwant from UTAR’s Department of Population Medicine, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, won a Silver Medal for the invention titled AR-Powered Fitness Training (ARFIT) under the Education category. She collaborated with researchers, Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu, Javid Iqbal, and Tavleen Kaur, from another institution. Their project integrates augmented reality (AR) into fitness training to create an interactive and engaging educational experience, demonstrating innovation at the intersection of health, education, and digital technology.

Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Kirandeep said, “I joined the competition to connect with fellow innovators and share our work. This award is a meaningful recognition of our research and encourages me to continue contributing to the Centre for Research on Non-Communicable Diseases (CRNCD) and UTAR.”

These remarkable achievements underscore UTAR’s commitment to impactful research and innovation that contributes to sustainable development. The University congratulates all the teams on their success and looks forward to more ground-breaking contributions in the years to come.