USM PENANG, 24 April 2020 – Academic and non-academic staff from several Schools and Research Centres in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) teamed up to produce face shields for medical personnel and other frontline workers in the fight against the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

The Dean of the USM School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (PPKEE), Professor Ir. Dr. Mohd Fadzil Ain said, the initiative not only contributed towards the demand for protective gear, but also highlighted the expertise of USM researchers in 3D printing and laser cutting technology being put into good use, with the help of the non-administrative staff and postgraduate students.  

“There is an increasing demand for protective equipment such as face shields, and according to the Penang State Health Department, it is estimated that 61,000 face shields are needed daily to cater for the state’s frontliners in carrying out their tasks,” said Mohd Fadzil.

He added that, so far 3,000 face shields have been produced through the collaboration between PPKEE, School of Computer Sciences, School of Aerospace Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC), USM MAKERS, School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering and School of The Arts.  

“Though the production for this batch is not big, we hope that it will help to supplement the existing stock and make a difference to workers at the front lines who are tending to the patients.  

“We are grateful for this innovation and collaboration, and our gratitude goes to the USM Division of Industry and Community Network (BJIM) for providing the initial funding, and the respective Schools/Research Centres for chipping in the remainder of the production cost,” he said.

He also thanked the USM COVID-19 Nerve Centre for coordinating the whole process, including the collection and distribution of the face shields to the targeted recipients.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe