USM PENANG, 12 May 2025 – A lecturer from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) is a proud recipient of two prestigious innovation and invention awards at the recently-held 17th Edition of the European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation (EUROINVENT) 2025.

The invention by Associate Professor Sr. Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin entitled “From Waste to Wonder: Enhancing Foamed Concrete with Eggshell Powder” was chosen by the jury based on its potential for commercialisation and patentability.

The awards garnered were:

• Special Award on Excellence in Education, Research, Development and Innovation - NIRD URBAN INCERC DIPLOMA;
• Gold Medal Award for Innovation and Invention - EUROINVENT DIPLOMA.

The awards are presented for the groundbreaking innovation, highlighting the importance of the research in advancing sustainable construction practices and its potential for wider applications in the building industry.

The event, held at the Grand Palace of Culture, Iasi, Romania, from 8 –10 May 2025, saw leading inventors, researchers and scientists gathered to showcase their groundbreaking innovations.

Azree, who is also the School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) Dean, explained that the innovative approach to sustainability addresses the growing environmental concerns surrounding waste management and concrete production.

“By incorporating eggshell powder into foamed concrete, the solution that was developed not only reduces waste but also enhances the material’s properties, making it more durable and environmentally friendly,” he explained.  

EUROINVENT 2025 is the largest exhibition of its kind in Eastern Europe, featuring over 700 inventions and projects that span across a wide array of disciplines.

The event’s main goal is to promote creativity and innovation on a global scale, creating an international platform for researchers and inventors to present actual research issues, foster collaborations, and transfer technology.

It also serves as a venue for forging new research ideas, partnerships, and agreements.

The event, supported by the National Research Authority and the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research, is an event that encourages the dissemination of research results and the implementation of innovative solutions.

Azree’s achievement is a testament to his commitment to advancing the field of construction and sustainability, and it reinforces the reputation of USM as a leader in research and innovation on the global stage.

This recognition at EUROINVENT 2025 not only showcases Azree’s outstanding contribution to research and innovation but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for other academics and researchers to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and technology.

USM’s continued success in such a prestigious international platform is a clear reflection of the university's dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Source: Assoc. Prof. Sr. Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin, School of HBP/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin