Curtin Malaysia student innovators sweep top awards at leading AI and design competitions

Miri, Sarawak – 28 October 2025 – A team of bright young innovators from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), has made waves internationally, clinching top awards at several prestigious innovation competitions.

The team’s groundbreaking projects earned them two Gold Medals – one at the 2nd AI-IoT International Innovation Expo 2025 and another at the 3rd International Invention, Innovation and Design (InnoDex) 2025. They also secured Second Place at the Youth Innovative Challenge (YIC) 2025, taking home a RM1,500 cash prize.

The AI-IoT International Innovation Expo 2025, held virtually from 18 August to 9 September this year, brought together innovators from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates to showcase cutting-edge applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). With 109 innovative product submissions and 80 finalists, the competition was evaluated by an international panel of judges from Malaysia, Japan, Nigeria, Indonesia, Turkey, and Canada, assessing entries for novelty, uniqueness, and potential industry impact.

Meanwhile, at the 3rd International Invention, Innovation and Design (InnoDex) 2025, held in conjunction with the 4th International Conference on Semiconductor Materials and Technology (ICoSeMT) in Penang, participants from around the world presented creative inventions and design solutions across multiple categories. The event served as a global platform promoting collaboration and the exchange of transformative ideas among researchers, professionals, and students alike.

The Curtin Malaysia students’ success also extended to the Youth Innovative Challenge (YIC) 2025, a national-level event that encourages young minds to identify meaningful problems and develop inventive solutions. Although primarily targeted at secondary school students, the competition has evolved into an influential platform that fosters design thinking and entrepreneurship among youth. The 2025 edition, held fully online, saw 202 teams shortlisted for the final phase, with participants submitting detailed project reports and pitch videos that demonstrated real-world innovation and social impact.

Their biggest triumph came with winning the MyIS Perintis Competition, which earned them a RM40,000 business start-up grant from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). The grant will support the team in transforming their award-winning prototypes into viable, market-ready solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges.

“These outstanding awards are a testament to our students’ technical excellence, creativity, and perseverance,” said Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science. “Their achievements reflect Curtin Malaysia’s strong commitment to nurturing future-ready graduates who can lead innovation and technological progress globally.”

Echoing this sentiment, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean of Industrial Engagement, highlighted the importance of industry-linked learning. “Competitions like these are invaluable. They sharpen our students’ skills, boost their employability, and strengthen their professional networks, all essential for building Malaysia’s next generation of tech leaders,” she said.

The student innovators – Darren Tan Thong En, Haziq Fathurrahman, Wong Kah Hong, and Chung Zhing Hao – were mentored by the Curtin_IoT mentorship team led by Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Wong Wei Kitt and Dr. Chew Ing Ming. Their research focuses on developing smart systems that integrate AI, IoT, and automation technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability across industries.

These achievements underscore Curtin Malaysia’s innovation-driven approach to education – one that bridges academic excellence with practical, impactful problem-solving. Its Faculty of Engineering and Science continues to champion creativity, collaboration, and technology integration, empowering students to become innovators who shape a smarter, more connected future.

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

Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu (right) with Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing (left), Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Wong Wei Kitt, Dr. Chew Ing Ming, and the award-winning student team.

Faculty mentors with team members (from left) Chung Zhing Hao, Darren Tan Thong En, and Haziq Fathurrahman.