by Dr. Hana Syafiqah Sayeed Ibrahim,Ts. Dr. Salasiah Mohamad
PAGOH – The Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (FAST), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), through the Bachelor of Science in Food Technology and Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation programmes, marks a history with the inaugural Student Research and Innovation Poster Exhibition (SRIPE) 2026 held recently.
The two-day programme, held from 13 to 14 January 2026 at Hall A9, Student Residential College, UTHM Pagoh Campus, served as an important platform for 140 final-year students, 101 from the Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BWD) and 39 from the Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation (BWW), to showcase their undergraduate research and innovation projects to the public.
The poster evaluations were done by professional jurors amongst our own academic staff and was further strengthened by the participation of 14 industry panels of various agencies and leading companies, including Farm Fresh Milk Sdn. Bhd., McCormick Global Ingredients Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Budayatama Corporation Sdn. Bhd., GHS Food Industries Sdn. Bhd., Epic Ingredients Sdn. Bhd., Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., MBF Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Synergy One Holding Sdn. Bhd., Johor State Forestry Department, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Johor Bahru Public Health Laboratory, Pahang Pineapple Industry Board, Selangor State Health Department, and the National Food Safety Centre.
The programme also featured an exclusive sharing session entitled “Food Innovation from Industry Perspective” delivered by Industry Advisor, Mr. Khairul Nizam Yaakob, Regional Head of Regulatory Affairs & Food Compliance, Asia Pacific, Jacobs Douwe Egberts RTL SFM MY Sdn. Bhd. The session provided meaningful insights for students on the realities of developing innovative products and meeting industry compliance requirements in line with current market demands.
The closing ceremony of SRIPE 2026 was officiated by the Dean of FAST, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Noor Azura Binti Awang, who also presented awards to the winners. For the Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BWD), the gold medal was awarded to Theventhira Rau Anandan, followed by the silver medal for Nur Mardhiah Musfirah Binti Aminudin and the bronze medal for Nur Afiqah Binti Zulkpli, while Nur Ain Sofea Binti Mohd Efandi received the Industry Choice Award. Meanwhile, for the Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation (BWW), Yeoh Jing was awarded the gold medal, followed by Nuraisyah Farhana Binti Ab Hadi (silver) and Mumtaz Murfiqah Binti Mazdi (bronze), while Aliyah Adriana Binti Mohammad received the Industry Choice Award.
In her speech, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Noor Azura expressed her appreciation for the high commitment of the Programme Director, Associate Professor Chm. Dr. Norhayati Binti Muhammad, along with the entire organising committee in successfully executing this impactful programme. She also conveyed her pride in the spirit, dedication, and competitive drive demonstrated by the participants. “Winning or losing is not the ultimate measure. The most important aspects are the learning process, experiences, and knowledge gained throughout participation in SRIPE 2026.
SRIPE 2026 proved to be an effective final preparation platform, equipping students with professional presentation experience and exposure to real industry requirements. The continuity of this programme is highly significant in producing knowledgeable, skilled, and competitive UTHM graduates aligned with current industry needs.
