TANAH MERAH, KELANTAN, 4 August 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has added another proud achievement to its name as Afiya Abdul Sattar, a PhD student at the School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) secured the prestigious Gold Medal Award at the International Invention, Innovation and Design Competition (i3DC) 2025.

Afiya, an international student from India, who is supervised by Assoc. Prof. Sr Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin, has demonstrated high dedication in exploring innovative solutions to deal with challenges in the construction industry.

Her groundbreaking invention, titled “Advanced Foamed Concrete Blocks Engineered from Waste Resources for Low-Carbon and Affordable Housing Solutions” drew the attention of more than 200 local and international juries for its high potential for patents and international market expansion.

The innovation offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional construction materials, using waste resources to develop high-performance foamed concrete blocks aimed at affordable housing.

The innovation by Afiya presents a transformative solution to pressing challenges in the construction industry.

By incorporating recycled waste materials into the production of lightweight foamed concrete blocks, this innovation significantly reduces dependence on natural resources like river sand and cement.

The result is a sustainable building material with reduced carbon footprint, improved thermal insulation, and enhanced cost-efficiency.

This innovation directly addresses several critical issues such as high construction costs, environmental degradation from excessive resource extraction, and the increasing volume of construction and demolition waste.

It also contributes to the development of affordable housing solutions, particularly for low- and middle-income communities, without compromising on structural performance or durability.

Importantly, the project aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting sustainable industrial innovation; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by enabling affordable and resilient housing; and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging the reuse of waste materials.

Furthermore, by reducing carbon emissions, it contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action), positioning this innovation as a powerful tool in advancing sustainable development in the built environment.

The i3DC 2025 which was hosted by Kolej Vokasional Tanah Merah, Kelantan and in collaboration with DIGIT360, featured 1,000 projects from diverse fields and backgrounds.

The event, which ran for two months prior, was further supported by five strategic partners, reinforcing its significance as a platform for future-focused technological and design breakthroughs.

“I really appreciate the full dedication rendered by my supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Sr Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin, who played an important role in preparing me for this innovation competition.

"His support, insight, and encouragement pushed me to explore impactful solutions and believe in the potential of my research. He is not only my mentor but also my role model; his passion for research and commitment to excellence continue to inspire me every step of the way,” said Afiya.

Her success not only reflects her individual excellence and commitment to sustainable innovation but also highlights USM’s strong research ecosystem and its role in nurturing forward-thinking researchers.

Afiya’s achievement has brought great honour to the university, reinforcing its reputation as a leading institution in green technology and built environment research.

Text & Photo: School of Housing, Building and Planning, USM