UTAR LKC FES and FSc stand out at ITEX 2026

Two UTAR teams from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), Sungai Long, and the Faculty of Science (FSc), Kampar, achieved notable success at the International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2026, held from 18 to 20 May 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur.

Representing UTAR, Team Sungai Long, comprising Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Hum Yan Chai, Assoc Prof Ir Dr Ng Law Yong, and Mr Chan Jing Yao as the inventors, together with the team members Oscar Ho Chun Yap, Lum Zi Chao, Chang Zhin Wei, and Yoong Weng Kaa, won the Silver Award, Certificate of Merit, and Special Award of Appreciation from Majmaah University for their project titled Smart Marine Pollution Monitoring System with Integrated IoT and Edge AI.

Addressing the growing need for sustainable water quality monitoring and marine pollution management, the project involves the development of a solar-powered autonomous floating device capable of real-time environmental monitoring and pollution detection. The system integrates IoT sensors to measure parameters such as temperature, pH, and turbidity, alongside an edge AI vision module for detecting and classifying floating waste, and low-power, long-range communication technology for efficient data transmission. Suitable for deployment in rivers, lakes, aquaculture areas, and remote water bodies, the system supports continuous environmental monitoring while reducing operational costs. A patent application has also been filed with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO). The project also aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).  

Meanwhile, Team Kampar, represented by Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wey Lim and Dr Clement Wong Kiing Fook from the Faculty of Science, received the Gold Medal Award and Certificate of Merit for their project titled ECOREV BOOSTER (ERB): A Soil Regeneration Biobooster.

ECOREV BOOSTER (ERB) is an innovative soil regeneration biobooster that utilises a high-density consortium of beneficial microbes to restore soil health, enhance microbial activity, recycle nutrients, and improve crop resilience to extreme weather conditions. By increasing nutrient availability and uptake in plants, ERB promotes healthier crop growth and contributes to higher agricultural productivity. The innovation also supports sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers, minimising environmental pollution, and fostering healthier food production systems. This project aligns with several SDGs, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

The achievements of both teams reflect UTAR’s continued commitment to research excellence, innovation, commercialisation, and sustainable development. The teams also acknowledged the support of the Division of Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship (DICE), UTAR, for its role in encouraging participation in innovation activities, supporting commercialisation efforts, and facilitating the University’s engagement in invention and innovation platforms such as ITEX. The recognition received at ITEX 2026 highlights UTAR’s strength in nurturing practical research solutions that address real-world environmental and agricultural challenges.

ITEX is one of Asia’s leading innovation and invention exhibitions, presenting awards based on innovation, creativity, technical value, commercialisation potential, sustainability, and impact. The competition aims to encourage innovation and creativity, promote the commercialisation of research outcomes, create networking opportunities, and showcase technologies that benefit societal and environmental development.

Sungai Long and Kampar teams at the event

From left: Dr Wong and Dr Hum