KULIM, KEDAH, 15 April 2026 – A team of Building Surveying students from the School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has achieved a remarkable victory at the prestigious International Innovation & Exhibition Fair (IIEF2026), held recently at Kolej MARA Kulim in Kedah.

Wong Min Wei and Muhammad Afiq Thaqif Razali were chosen as recipients of the highly-coveted 'Excellence in Innovation Award' as the overall best innovation, standing out among the other 260 projects competing in the same field.

Their award-winning innovation, titled "From Waste to Wonder: Sustainable Foamed Concrete Blocks for a Greener Tomorrow," garnered the attention of the jury for its exceptional potential to promote sustainability and address pressing environmental challenges in the construction industry.

The innovative project focuses on transforming waste materials into eco-friendly foamed concrete blocks, providing a sustainable building material that reduces the carbon footprint of construction, while contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious future.

Not only does their innovation offer a practical solution to waste management, but it also directly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

By developing a repurposed material from waste into a valuable resource, the team’s work promotes responsible production and consumption patterns, while advancing innovation in the construction industry to reduce environmental impacts.

This significant achievement not only reflects their creativity and technical prowess but also highlights their commitment towards finding practical solutions to global sustainability challenges.

The project’s focus on recycling waste into valuable building materials aligns with the growing trend of sustainability and green innovation in the construction industry, forming a solution that is both forward-thinking and impactful.

“We are incredibly proud of Wong Min Wei and Muhammad Afiq Thaqif Razali for their dedication and hard work,” said the Dean of HBP, Associate Professor Sr. Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin, who is also one of their mentors from USM.

“Their innovative approach demonstrates the power of young minds in creating solutions that can truly make a difference for the environment. Their success reflects the commitment by USM in nurturing talent and fostering creativity.”

The students also credited their success to the guidance and mentorship of their dedicated supervisors, Associate Professor Sr. Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin and Sr. Nuzaihan Aras Agus Salim, whose support and expertise were instrumental in the development of the project.

This achievement also aligns with the vision and mission of USM, particularly in shaping future leaders who drive innovation and sustainable development.

As part of the ongoing efforts at USM to contribute to global sustainability, the students’ success highlights the university's commitment to the advancement of knowledge and the development of solutions that address societal challenges.

In line with the aspirations of USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, the university continues to encourage its students to pursue groundbreaking ideas that can have a positive, lasting impact on both the local and global communities.

The IIEF2026 is an international platform that brings together young innovators from across nations to celebrate creativity and sustainability.

Md Azree added, “With over 260 teams competing, the Excellence in Innovation Award is a prestigious recognition, and the success of Min Wei and Muhammad Afiq underscores the importance of fostering innovation in the local academic and research landscape.”

“This significant accomplishment not only reinforces the potential of Malaysia’s young innovators but also highlights USM’s pivotal role in the development of young talent.

“USM’s commitment to supporting students in their innovative pursuits contributes to the nation’s efforts toward achieving the SDGs and shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure,” he said.

The local community and university are eager to see how their breakthrough idea can inspire future innovations in sustainable construction and contribute to Malaysia’s ongoing efforts towards environmental conservation.

This achievement reinforces the reputation of USM as a leading institution in producing forward-thinking, innovative leaders, and it serves as an inspiration for other students to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and sustainability.

Text: Sr. Nuzaihan Aras Agus Salim, School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP), USM/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin