By Asmahanim Amir
Pix Izwan Azman

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 Dec 2015 – The National University of Malaysia (UKM) continues its winning streak, clinching the Best Award and three Gold Medals at the International Conference and Exposition on Inventions by Institution of Higher Learning (PECIPTA) 2015 held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on Dec 6.

The research by Prof Dr Abdul Salim Babji, Assoc Prof Dr Ma’aruf Abd Ghani and Dr Zalifah Mohd Kasim from the Faculty of Science and Technology about swiftlets’ nests has been chosen by judges to be the best.

The research about Bioactive Swiftlet Nest Capsule –Natural Antioxidant & Anti-Hypertension Capsule is a supplement natural food supplement produced by natural materials such as swiftlets’ nest.

Bioactive edible bird nest hydrolysates capsule is touted as  a natural food supplement developed via selective enzymatic hydrolysis to produce superior glycopeptides with high functional characteristics.

This natural hydrolysates were reported to be scientifically tested and found to be high in antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.

The research is a beneficial alternative for those with a hectic lifestyle, and yet concerned with maintaining a healthy life.

This research also received the Gold Medal with another two research projects, namely A New Double-Negative Metamaterial Design for Electromagnetic Absorption Reduction in Human Head by Dr Mohammad Rashed Iqbal Faruque, Prof Dr Mohammad Tariqul Islam and Prof Ir Dr Mardina Abdullah from Space Science Centre (ANGKASA).

Another research programme which also received a  Gold Medal is by Prof Dato’ Dr Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Prof Dr Sohif Mat and Mohd Farriz Md Basar from the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) titled,  A Simple and Low Cost Z-Blade Turbine for Low Head and Low Flow Pico Hydro System.

The PECIPTA 2015 Closing Ceremony was officiated by Minister of Higher Education Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh.

In his speech, he said in creating the aspiration becoming a developed nation by 2020, initiatives to develop more innovation-driven enterprises to enhance national competitiveness must be prioritized.

“Through the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), the government has created opportunities for academia, researchers and industries to work together in research and development (R&D) activities.

“We are truly committed to support this endeavour and PECIPTA 2015 is an example of such commitment,” he said.

He said the ministry believes the coming together of academia and researchers, as well as the community, will propel the development of the country.

“This is why we need people with a strong mind oriented towards innovation,” he said.

A total of 500 products from 44 public and private universities, as well as Polytechnics participated in the exhibition held yearly.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching, Secretary General of KPT, Dato’ Seri Ir Dr Zaini Ujang and Director General of Higher Education, Prof Dato’ Dr Asma Ismail.