PENANG, 2 January 2013 - Two USM researchers placed Malaysia on the international pedestal when they were listed as recipients of a special award given in conjunction with the World Inventor Award Festival (WIAF) 2012 which took place in Seoul, Korea recently.

Researcher, Prof. Fauziah Ahmad, from the School of Civil Engineering (PPKA) was announced as the Women Invention Order of Merit award recipient based on her research findings that have contributed to the development of the country’s innovation.

Another researcher, Prof. Hanafi Ismail, from the School of Materials and Mineral Resources clinched the Agriculture Invention Order of Merit award, which was also a strong commitment to develop research that would bring many benefits to the sustainability aspect.

Fauziah and Hanafi have respectively contributed expertise in research related to the latest technology used in solving problems pertaining to natural disasters as well as the production of green products that can help to solve environmental pollution problems.

Fauziah said during interview that the award received is based on the achievement of a product evaluated at national and international levels, taking into consideration all aspects of good innovation, technology, research, education, service and success.

“As a USM educator and researcher, this accomplishment would inspire us to continue to serve and provide the best for the WIAF prestigious domain which was also the inaugural event organised by the organisation,” she said.

WIAF 2012 was organised by the Korea Invention News (KINEWS) for a total of 19 categories and 115 awards which were contested by participating scientists, industrialists, students and other stakeholders worldwide. – Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias / Photo: Courtesy of PPKA / Translation: Yong Check Yoon