UCTS researchers win gold, silver medals at ITEX 2019
SIBU: University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) achieved another milestone when its researchers won a gold and silver medals at the prestigious International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2019 held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 2-4.
The university in a press statement said Associate Professor Dr Hii Siew Ling and her team members comprising Pearly Wong, Koh Chen Chung and Associate Professor Dr Thomas Moh Shan Yau, Mohd Sabri Mohd Afandi and Suzy Rini Gindi won the gold medal for their invention titled “Towards Honeyerrific - Kelulut Powder as Natural Superfood”.
The team produced an invention to provide a novel kelulut honey product in the form of a dry material which could be easily handled, stored and utilised in substantially the same manner as sugar and other powdered or granular ingredients.
“The newly developed EZMiX Kelulut Powder from this study can be regarded as superior product with relatively higher level of protein, carbohydrate and energy.
“In addition, the product stability of EZ-MiX Kelulut Powder can be characterised by its significantly low moisture content (83 per cent lower than raw honey) and hence contributing to the extended shelf life of the product,” it added.
Meanwhile, the silver medal was won by Dr Alan Ting Huong Yong, Jackie Ting Tiew Wei and Daniel Tan Yong Wen from the School of Computing and Creative Media for their invention titled “Markerless Cloud Badminton Motion Analysis and Benchmarking System”.
The invention encompasses a depth sensor and computerised system which is capable of tracking and analysing badminton players’ movements in real-time and automated manners without physical markers being attached on badminton players.
The system is also capable of performing movement benchmarking, where the players can benchmark their movements against experts or even benchmark their own movements against themselves for consistency analysis.
Additionally, the cloud service provides flexibility to the badminton coach and player in terms of data access and analysis.
“This is yet another milestone for UCTS in research and development for this year.
“The opportunity to participate and win at one of Asian most prestigious innovation and technology exhibitions is indeed an excellent achievement for UCTS. Next step will be to patent and commercialise the products,” it said.
ITEX 2019 is a renowned international event for inventors and researchers to share ideas and inventions organised by the Malaysian Invention and design Society (MINDS).
This year marked the 30th installation of ITEX with the theme “Reinvention through Digital Disruption”, taking into account the current advent of Industry 4.0. MIRI: Valencia Lai and Wong Shyn Jie emerged champions in the See Hua Mitraf 21 children’s colouring contest held at Bintang Megamall here yesterday.
Valencia Lai was the champion in the Category A while Wong Shyn Jie took the top spot in Category B.
For their efforts, the champions each walked home with cash prize of RM200, a trophy and a certificate.
In the Category A which was opened to children aged seven to nine, Thian Sin Ku and Shermaine Teoh Lin Xuan took the first runner-up and third placing respectively.
On the other hand, in Category B (which was opened to children aged 10 to 12), Low Xin Ai and Fam Zhi Jun took the first runner-up and third placing respectively.
In each category, the first runner-up received RM100 cash, a trophy and a certificate, while the third placing offered RM60 cash, a trophy and a certificate.
Meanwhile, in both categories, 10 children won the consolation prize where each participant received RM40 cash, a trophy and a certificate.
They were Jessica Lee, Amanda Chong, Grace Ling, Sharon Chen, Iris Ting, Fam Zhi yi, Jee Jia Jia, Lim Xin Yee, Law Chew Yi and Lim Xin Shuen.
On top of that, all the abovementioned winners would also receive a 5-kilogramme Thai Fragrant rice bag sponsored by Shun Shen Lee Trading Sdn Bhd and an art gift sponsored by Century Art Gallery.
A total of 24 participants received the ‘Special Prizes’ each comprising an art gift sponsored by Century Art Gallery.
Held in connection with the four-day Miri Trade Fair 21 (Mitraf 21), the children’s colouring contest was organised by See Hua Marketing Sdn Bhd in cooperation with Bintang Megamall, Shun Shen Lee Trading Sdn Bhd and Century Art Gallery.