A team from SEGi University’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology, led by Dr. Priyadatchini Karunakaran, has clinched the Gold Award at the International Innovation Competition (IIC) 2024 organised by SEGi University’s Faculty of Arts and Science under the leadership of the dean Prof Ts. Dr Nurul Nisa Omar.
Held on October 17 at the ACE Convention Centre, AICB Kuala Lumpur, the competition saw Dr. Karunakaran and her team of undergraduate students – Irvin Irawan, Asyraf Shukri, Mohamad Alghareeb, Mohamad Al-Sulaiman, and Su Yiqing – present their innovative project focused on mitigating landslides using recycled composite materials.
The International Innovation Competition (IIC) 2024 was more than just a showcase of groundbreaking projects; it was a hub of vibrant discussion and knowledge sharing. Experts like Ms. Siti Ina Savira, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs at Universitas Negeri Surabaya, brought an international perspective to the stage. SEGi University’s own Assoc. Prof Ir. Dr. Chan Meow Kee, Deputy Dean (Research), provided insights into the institution’s dedication to innovation. Ts. Marsyitah Ismail, an education technology expert from OpenLearning, captivated the audience with the potential of technology to drive social change. Lastly, Madiha Fuad, founder and CEO of PlusVibes Group, inspired attendees with her entrepreneurial journey and emphasis on social impact. This dynamic lineup of speakers sparked engaging conversations and added another layer of depth to the IIC 2024 experience.
Landslides pose a significant threat to both the environment and human life in Malaysia. Driven by the urgent need for a sustainable and effective solution to this pressing issue, Dr. Karunakaran and her team dedicated themselves to finding a better way to mitigate these disasters. Their research led them to an innovative approach: utilising recycled composite materials to stabilise slopes and prevent landslides.
This eco-friendly solution offers a compelling alternative to traditional methods— a material so durable it can replace 500 plastic bottles, while simultaneously slashing costs by up to 80%. This project, born from a desire to protect both lives and the environment, exemplifies the power of ingenuity and collaboration in creating a more sustainable future.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is the team’s willingness to dive headfirst into uncharted territory. The team’s journey to success was marked by remarkable perseverance and a steep learning curve. With no prior video editing experience, they spent an intense week learning the ropes and crafting a compelling 5-minute video presentation that ultimately captured the judges’ attention and secured them the grand prize, out of 80 innovative projects.
Dr. Karunakaran and her team’s achievement shines a spotlight on SEGi University’s commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence and its dedication to addressing real-world challenges through innovative solutions.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
- SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities