PENANG, 20 May 2014 – A total of 125 creative ideas and products of final year students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of the Arts (SoA) was showcased at the Research Innovation Towards Integration and Sustainability (RINTIS) exhibition which entered its 10^th year.

USM Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Muhamad Jantan said that RINTIS was first introduced in 2004, serving as a platform to allow the final year students to showcase and discuss their innovation and designing works.

He said that RINTIS is also an avenue for students to hone their skills in branding themselves and highlight their abilities and strength to compete in the career world that has been progressively becoming more challenging.

“All the products are of quality and are very impressive indeed but the important thing is to provide students the opportunity to translate their ideas into something useful and innovative,” he said.

Muhamad Jantan was speaking at a press conference after launching the RINTIS programme here today. Also present was the School of the Arts (SoA) Acting Dean, Dr. A.S. Hardy Shafii.

RINTIS is the culmination of the students’ efforts before graduation, allowing them to showcase their creative works to the industry for possible commercialisation.

RINTIS covers various innovations including in the field of Communication Graphic Design, New Media Technology Design, Product Design, Fine Art, Performance and Pedagogy, and Acting and Directing.

Muhamad added that RINTIS also allowed the students to develop the knowledge they have acquired over the three years of learning process in USM, including the learning of practical and theoretical knowledge.

“The interesting point that can be seen through such a programme is the synergy between the students and lecturers involved in sharing ideas with the outside community and the industry through the works on display,” he said.

Meanwhile, A.S. Hardy said that RINTIS has also become an increasingly recognised brand, in particular from industry partners in securing superior talents produced by SoA.

“We are also recognised internationally, and this can be seen through the invitations received to hold various exhibitions, lectures, and performances around the world,” he said.

RINTIS will continue until 31 May during which the campus and surrounding community will enjoy a series of programmes including art talks, musical concerts, theaters, public lectures, and exhibition. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photo: Mohd. Fairus Md. Isa