HOUSTON, TEXAS, 10 February 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continued to raise Malaysia’s profile on the global innovation stage when its Hydrolink Team created history by emerging among the world’s top 12 teams at the International Finale of the AAKRUTI Innovation Competition 2025, held in conjunction with 3DEXPERIENCE World in Texas, USA, recently.

Representing Malaysia and the Asia Pacific South region, the team from the School of Mechanical Engineering, USM Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, earned international recognition for their breakthrough innovation, “AQUASHIELD”, an innovative and practical flood mitigation system designed to enhance community resilience against flooding.

The USM Hydrolink Team comprises four students: Kang Zhen Lin, Alif Danial Zulkipli, Siew Wei Hong, and Darren Tong Kai Xuan and under the mentorship of Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Salman Abu Mansor from the School of Mechanical Engineering.

Their achievement marks the first time a USM team has secured a place among the competition’s top 12 finalists on the global stage, underscoring the university’s growing strength in engineering innovation and sustainable technology solutions.

The AAKRUTI Innovation Competition 2025 challenges students worldwide to develop sustainable solutions across four key categories; sustainable products for human wellness, sustainable mobility, sustainable habitat and city infrastructure, as well as green energy generation, transmission and storage, by leveraging technology, creativity and engineering expertise.

This year’s finale featured 12 teams from nine countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, Singapore and India, representing leading universities.

All teams utilised the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and SOLIDWORKS applications to conceptualise, design and develop their solutions, with participants receiving a one-year SOLIDWORKS licence.

The Hydrolink Team’s success reflects strong commitment, technical excellence, and sustained support from various stakeholders who backed the team throughout their journey to the international stage.

Text: Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Salman Abu Mansor, School of Mechanical Engineering, USM/ Photos courtesy of the Hydrolink Team