PENANG, 21 December 2024 – The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) buzzed with innovation as the CREST Medical Device Challenge 2024 brought together the brightest minds in engineering and medical sciences, including an outstanding contingent from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Organised by the Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science, and Technology (CREST) in partnership with the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI), the event held on 12 December 2024, was a showcase of ingenuity and groundbreaking medical device concepts.

USM made its mark with 18 students from the Medical Physics Programme, School of Physics, competing in five teams under the mentorship of Dr. Nursakinah Suardi (two teams) and Dr. Nik Noor Ashikin Nik Ab Razak (three teams).

Demonstrating exceptional innovation and dedication, all five teams advanced to the semifinals.

One of the teams, consisting of Shaline Lavinia Justin, Safia Heidi, and Atiqah Syafiah, excelled further by reaching the finals and proudly securing the Third Prize, with the Best Presenter Award awarded to Shaline Lavinia Justin.

Their project, "TiO2/Cu/TiO2 Multilayer Thermoluminescence Dosimeter for Medical Diagnostic Applications," epitomized cutting-edge research and practical applications, leaving a strong impression on judges and attendees.

The other four teams also showcased remarkable projects that highlighted their technical skills and creativity.

• Team 1: Developed a portable 532nm photobiomodulation device for chronic wound healing and circulatory support.
• Team 2: Presented an innovative 3D-printed Doppler phantom for medical training and testing.
• Team 3: Advanced radiation protection practices with a head phantom for absorbed dose measurement in dental X-rays.
• Team 5: Evaluated a Perspex breast phantom with integrated dosimeters for mammography image quality analysis.

This remarkable achievement not only highlights the students' dedication but also reflects the strong guidance and support from their mentors.

USM continues to excel on prestigious platforms, reinforcing its status as a hub of innovation and academic excellence.

Congratulations to all participants and their mentors for this outstanding accomplishment, bringing pride and recognition to USM!