Showcasing Creative Solutions for a Smart and Sustainable Future

Iskandar Puteri, Johor – The Festival IDEA @ Johor 2025, held on 4–5 October 2025 at the EduCity Sports Complex, celebrated innovation, creativity, and collaboration among researchers, educators, and industry players. Organized under the theme “Komuniti Bestari, Masa Depan Lestari” (Smart Community, Sustainable Future), the festival served as a dynamic platform to highlight cutting-edge inventions that contribute to sustainable development and community well-being.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Bin Hassan, Deputy Secretary General (Management and Development), Ministry of Higher Education, who emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and research collaboration to drive Malaysia’s sustainable development agenda.

Representing Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) with pride, three staff members from the Faculty of Science presented their impactful innovations at the festival.

  • Ts. Dr. Siti Pauliena Mohd Bohari showcased her award-winning product, Hi Red Heal Cream, carrying the tagline “Harnessing Roselle to Support Wound Healing.” The cream, made from Roselle extract, utilizes natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to accelerate skin repair and regeneration, offering an affordable, Halal, and eco-friendly healthcare solution that supports both consumers and the local herbal industry.

  • Dr. Raihana Ridzuan introduced HYDROBOOST, a next-generation organic fertilizer designed for hydroponic systems, under the tagline “Revolutionizing Organic Hydroponic Farming.” This innovation enhances nutrient efficiency and promotes sustainable agriculture, empowering urban growers and communities to adopt green farming practices that bolster national food security.

  • Dr. Mira Apandi presented Napiermix: TMR Silage, an innovative product with the tagline “Complete Nutrition for Sustainable Livestock.” Developed from locally sourced ingredients, this feed provides balanced nutrition for livestock, reduces dependence on imported feed, and strengthens sustainable animal farming, supporting both farmers and the local agro-economy.

The festival’s closing ceremony was graced by Prof. Dr. Rosli Md. Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), UTM, who commended all participants for their creativity, dedication, and contributions toward advancing research excellence and innovation with real societal impact. He highlighted that such initiatives reinforce UTM’s commitment to sustainable innovation and inspire the academic community to continue translating research outcomes into tangible benefits for society and the nation’s long-term growth.

For more stories on UTM Faculty of Science research highlights and innovations, visit https://science.utm.my/utmfsresearch/.