Min Wei received the recognition for her innovative project entitled "Harnessing Waste By-Products to Create Eco-Friendly Lightweight Foamed Concrete," which presents an environmentally sustainable solution by converting industrial and agricultural waste by-products into high-performance lightweight foamed concrete for the construction industry.

The award-winning innovation was developed under the supervision and mentorship of Associate Professor Sr Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin, one of USM's prominent researchers in sustainable construction materials, who also serves as the Dean of the School of HBP.

Renowned for his distinguished contributions to sustainable construction research and innovation, his visionary leadership, extensive expertise, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence have inspired numerous high-impact research projects while nurturing globally competitive young researchers who continue to excel and gain international recognition.

The innovation strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by advancing sustainable construction technologies; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the development of greener building materials; and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting the beneficial utilisation of waste by-products.

Beyond its global sustainability significance, the innovation contributes directly to Malaysia's aspiration of achieving sustainable and low-carbon development as outlined in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, the National Construction Policy, and the nation's transition towards a circular economy.

By transforming industrial and agricultural waste into value-added construction materials, the research supports greener infrastructure development while enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of Malaysia's construction sector.

Commenting on the achievement, Md Azree said the success reflects the quality of USM students and the University's commitment to producing graduates capable of generating impactful solutions to global challenges.

"Min Wei's achievement demonstrates that our students are capable of producing internationally recognised research that addresses pressing environmental and industrial challenges. This innovation is not only scientifically sound but also offers practical solutions for the construction industry by transforming waste into valuable building materials. At HBP, we are committed to cultivating a research culture that encourages creativity, sustainability, and real-world impact," he said.

This outstanding accomplishment reflects USM's unwavering commitment to nurturing future innovators through a vibrant research ecosystem that promotes creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful discoveries.

The University continues to provide students with opportunities to translate research into practical technologies that benefit society, industry, and the nation.

The achievement is further strengthened by the continuous encouragement and visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed who has consistently championed excellence in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

His unwavering support for student-led innovation and high-impact research has empowered USM researchers and students to compete successfully on international platforms while producing solutions aligned with national priorities and global sustainability goals.

The Gold Medal at IVIX 2026 further reinforces USM's position as a leading research-intensive university committed to advancing innovation for humanity, producing globally competitive graduates, and contributing meaningfully towards Malaysia's sustainable development agenda and the UN SDGs.

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