18 FEBRUARI 2023.

The Inter-Asasi Matrikulasi Innovation Competition (PIITRAM2023) was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Ismi Arif Ismail, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre (PKKSSAAS), UPM.  A total of 354 teams entered the competition comprising of 200 physical and 154 online participations from public universities and matriculation colleges throughout Malaysia.

According to Prof. Dr. Ismi Arif Ismail, PIITRAM2023 is the best platform for cultivating and showcasing the potential of foundation and matriculation students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines in tandem with national education transformation. He said, "This aligns with the present emphasis on the significance of STEAM education in producing skilled and innovative human resources."

PIITRAM2023 provides an excellent platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, presenting research findings on current issues, exchanging ideas, and new strategies to empower innovation among students, academic staff, and administration in higher education institutions. The competition focuses on innovation in Science, Technology, Social Science, Teaching and Learning (T&L), as well as innovation in management. There are four categories, namely Category A (Science and Technology) and Category B (Social Science) for student participants. Category C and Category D is for academic and administrative staff respectively.

The winners were announced at a gala dinner late that day at Banquet Hall, UPM. The ceremony was inaugurated by the esteemed Prof. Dr. Arifin Abdu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni of Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Centre of Foundation Studies for Agricultural Science Universiti Putra Malaysia (ASPer UPM) students were able to celebrate 8 gold, 13 silver, and 12 bronze medals. In addition, ASPer UPM also won the special Award for the most creative project in Category A. ASPer student, Puteri Nur Arissa Yasmin Yusri, said that she and her teammates couldn't believe they were named the winner. "Our efforts paid off because this innovation was done together for a month to produce a toothbrush and toothpaste in one tool to facilitate the traveller’s affairs. The project we created is designed specifically for travellers to make it easier for them to bring toothbrushes and toothpaste together, saving space in their luggage so that they don't have to carry too many items," she said during an interview at the PIITRAM 2023 gala dinner.

This innovation competition requires high levels of creativity and commitment to produce something new and beneficial that can solve problems or improve existing solutions. This demonstrates that the students and staff of the foundation centre and matriculation are willing to challenge themselves by participating in PIITRAM2023. As a research university in Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia has been a strong supporter of the university community in enhancing innovation skills. The showcased products in PIITRAM2023 have great potential to be used as a platform for higher level research for the benefit of the country.

Disediakan oleh:

Dr. Mohammad Hasan Abdul Sathar

Date of Input: 25/02/2023 | Updated: 16/03/2023 | emma