SINTOK, 9 September 2025: The Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Research Management Centre (RMC), in collaboration with the Department of Research, Development and Innovation Affairs (JHEPPI) launched the University-level Festival of Ideas (FoI) at the foyer of the Sultan Sallehuddin Chancellery Building.
The ceremony was officiated by UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, and attended by members of the University Management Committee Members, staff and invited guests.
“This festival not only highlights research and innovation outcomes but also serves as a catalyst for generating ideas that can benefit both society and the country,” he said.
According to him, FoI acts as a platform to strengthen the culture of research, innovation and commercialisation of high-impact ideas, in line with UUM’s aspirations to establish itself as a research-based university.
He further described the FoI as an excellent initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education, designed to transform ideas into sparks that inspire research and ultimately lead to innovative outcomes.
Meanwhile, UUM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr Ram Al Jaffri Saad, who also serves as the chairman of the Kedah state-level festival, said that the programme creates opportunities for university academics to share their expertise, develop innovations and enhance the research culture.
He also underscored UUM’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing creativity and competitiveness among lecturers in producing research products that possess added value and significant impact
