The National Research and Innovation Competition (NRIC) pioneered by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is among the most anticipated platforms to help the nation produce more young scientists towards building a strong human capital that is based on science and technology. The NRIC 2010 was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Y.B. Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah.

Prof. Dato’ Omar Osman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said that through these efforts, young researchers who are doing their first degrees will be able to show their respective skills and talents. They can be identified so that they can contribute to the development of science and technology as well as to national innovations.

“Currently, science, technology and innovation are the main drivers of the national economy. One of the most important elements that can ensure continuity and rapid development of these fields is through the efforts to develop scientists and national innovators. The development of human capital in this field should start as early as possible and NRIC is a key platform to help identify young researchers who can then be trained and educated to be leaders of the respective fields. These young researchers can then contribute towards economic growth and national development,” he said in his closing speech at NRIC 2010 at the Main Student Hall today.

A total of 131 research products from 19 Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTA) in Malaysia and Singapore were exhibited at the three-day competition that commenced on 26 May 2010.

Prof. Asma Ismail, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), USM who was also the Chief Judge for the Competition described the quality of the products as showing an improvement that was very encouraging.

Nevertheless, she reminded the participants that innovation is merely the solution to a problem and this must be the main question in any research. UniKL won 3 Silver Medals; 1 IPROM and 2 for UniKL BMI:

IPROM, UniKL - Automated Oil Palm Pinnate Leaf Cutter
MAHADIR BIN MOHAMAD
MUHAMMAD HEYKAL BIN MAHMUD
TENGKU LIYANA SYAZANA BT TENGKU ABDUL AZIZ

UniKL BMI - Design & Development The Early Warning Landslide Monitoring System for Pre-Commercialization
ILI ATIQAH BINTI DUNIA
NUR FARZANA BINTI ABD AZIZ

UniKL BMI – Robotic Hand (Artificial)
NURUL IZZATI NORAZMAN
MOHD ADLI OMAR

UniKL students posing with their awards

UniKL President/CEO, Prof. Dato' Dr. Abdul Hakim Juri visited UniKL students' booths at NRIC 2010

Reported by,
Muhamad Fazaizul 
Student Affairs Department