Curtin Malaysia academic wins prestigious national award for advancing sports technology

Miri, Sarawak – 5 January 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia’s (Curtin Malaysia) Professor Garenth Lim has made waves in the sports technology arena by clinching the National Sports Technology Innovation Award (AITS) 2024 in the Domestic Award category.

Professor Lim, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the innovative tech start-up Ai3D PLT, was honoured for his groundbreaking invention, Ai3D-CAMS, a markerless motion capture system revolutionising precision sports like archery. The award ceremony, held at the prestigious National Sports Institute (ISN) in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, saw Professor Lim recognised alongside Malaysia’s top innovators.

The award was presented by Datuk Ts. Dr. Aminuddin Hasim, Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI), with notable attendees including Ahmad Faedzal Md. Ramli, Chief Executive Officer of ISN; Datuk Chin Leng Sim @ Marina Chin, Chairman of the ISN Board; Ts. Dr. Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia; and Safuan Zairi, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer of the Malaysian Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI).

At the core of Professor Lim’s achievement is the Ai3D-CAMS, a revolutionary system designed to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risks. “Ai3D-CAMS enables athletes to visualise detailed posture profiles by automating joint kinematic data collection without the need for cumbersome markers. This is a game-changer in sports like archery, where precision and form are critical,” he explained.

The system’s portability and adaptability for indoor and outdoor use make it a versatile tool for sports training and rehabilitation. Backed by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the Malaysia Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), Ai3D-CAMS is setting new standards in sports biomechanics and technology.

Professor Lim’s award underscores Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to fostering technological breakthroughs. Ai3D PLT, a Curtin Malaysia spin-off company, epitomises this ethos. Co-founded by Professor Lim, Dr. Jonathan Phang Then Sien, and Dr. Basil Andy Lease, the start-up leverages AI and 3D technology across sports science, oil and gas, and civil engineering sectors.

“Our vision is to be the regional leader in AI and 3D technology applications, transforming industries through efficiency and productivity enhancements,” Professor Lim said.

In conjunction with the award ceremony, Professor Lim shared his insights as a panelist at the 3rd International Conference on Innovation & Technology in Sports (ICITS) and the 10th Asian Society of Sports Biomechanics Conference (ASSB).

Held from December 13–15, 2024, at ISN, the joint conference themed ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Champions through Cutting-Edge Sports Technology and Biomechanics’ brought together leading experts and researchers to discuss the latest advancements shaping the future of sports science.

The AITS, established in 2022, is Malaysia’s premier recognition for excellence in sports technology innovation, aiming to inspire the public to explore the potential of sports tech. Professor Lim’s achievement not only elevates Curtin Malaysia’s reputation but also highlights Sarawak’s growing role in the global tech ecosystem.

For more information about AI3D PLT, visit to ai3dmotion.com or YouTube at youtube.com/@AI3DStream.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Professor Lim receiving the AITS award from Datuk Ts. Dr. Aminuddin (4th left), with distinguished guests in attendance

Professor Lim (right) served as a panelist during the ISN conference session