Ukm Wins Kps Ekovative Challenge 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- The 3D protective packaging for electronic equipment designed by  Team 3D PLABSTIC of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has emerged as the winner of the Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor (KPS) Ekovative Challenge 2023.

KPS in a statement today said that the winning group comprising Muhammad Alif Fitri Hanipa, Wan Nazihah Liyana Wan Jusoh, Siti Aisyah Syazwani Zaidi, Noor Fadhilah Rahmat and Hikmah Bajunid Hariz, and assisted by their advisor/lecturer Associate Prof Dr Mohd Shaiful Sajab secured a cash prize of RM10,000, a coveted trophy, and certificates for outstanding innovation.

Team CMEACES of Xiamen University Malaysia (XIUM) with their project entitled ‘High-Performance Palm-Based Polyurethane Foam for a Green Future’ garnered the second spot while team ERTHKONSHUS of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) with their innovative idea of ‘Plastic Waste: Reimagined’ won third place.

“Other finalists that competed during the grand finals held at the Faculty of Education, University of Malaya were Team Green Sparks Fighters of UKM and Team ENVIROWRAP of Universiti Geomatika Malaysia (UGM),” the statement read.

It also said the competition focused on addressing key challenges in sustainable paper or plastic production and the innovations were judged on the impact of the project, creativity, sustainability, feasibility and scalability, geographical scale of applications, and their presentation and business acumen.

KPS deputy chief executive officer (Finance and Corporate Services), Suzila Khairuddin said participants have been assigned the challenge of creating prototypes and innovations using alternative eco-materials, specifically thermo-plastic resin, to produce environmentally friendly solutions for industrial packaging in the form of paper-based or plastic materials.

She said the KPS Ekovative Challenge is a testament to KPS Berhad’s commitment and actions to achieve social sustainability and also provides a conducive platform for university students to innovate and expand their creative minds through meaningful and impactful contributions to the environment.

The KPS Ekovative Challenge was open to all public and private universities of Malaysia and was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, SIRIM Tech Ventures, and Century Bond Bhd, a subsidiary company.

The KPS Ekovative Challenge has attracted 265 students from 23 local universities since initiated last year and to date, it has produced 35 innovative prototypes to help find solutions to the sustainable use of plastic and paper.

-- BERNAMA