USM PENANG, 4 September 2024 – A lecturer from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Housing, Building, and Planning (HBP) has made the university proud by receiving four prominent international awards at the 9th International Invention Innovation Competition (iCAN2024) held in Toronto, Canada on 24 August 2024.

Associate Professor Sr. Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin’s invention entitled “Nanoparticles engineered ultra-lightweight foamed concrete” grabbed the jury's attention as a result of its potential for commercialisation and patentability.

The awards garnered were: 

1. International Special Award - Korea University Invention Association (KUIA)
2. Canadian Special Award – Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc. “The Inventors Circle”
3. Outstanding and Creativity and Excellence in Innovation Awards
4. Gold medal award for Invention and Innovation.

Organised by the Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills (TISIAS), iCAN2024 aimed to offer all researchers and inventors the opportunity to commercialise their products and expand their business activities.

The objective is to establish a connection between researchers and inventors to facilitate the commercialisation of inventions.

iCAN2024 has also succeeded in drawing the participation of investors from 50 countries worldwide this year.

When asked about his invention, Azree elaborated that nano-engineered foamed concrete is an innovative, high-performance construction material that undergoes enhancement with nanomaterials, transcending conventional standards.

“Beyond merely bolstering mechanical properties, nano-engineered foamed concrete transforms traditionally fixed properties, including thermal, transport and microstructural characteristics.

“Nano-engineered foamed concrete stands at the forefront of construction innovation, reshaping traditional notions of concrete by leveraging nanomaterials to enhance its properties,” he explained. 

Azree added, “The sustainability aspect is emphasised, as nano-engineering contributes to longer-lasting structures and efficient waste material use.”

He further said, “The success was attributed to the hard work, unwavering determination and constant dedication of his team during the previous two years, along with the strong support from the Dean of HBP, Associate Professor Ts Dr. Mohd Rodzi Ismail."

iCAN2024 offers participants the opportunity to share and compete via their presentations, inventions, and innovations, while also fostering meaningful connections among the intellectuals who attended the event with their ideas and visions.

For more information on the invention, please click the following hyperlink:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S-ZLcxiHT6IOun93-0jQ-NLZErYAU7Ih/view?usp=sharing

Source Text & Photo: Assoc. Prof. Sr. Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe