PUTRAJAYA, 5 November 2025: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) was among the exhibitors of the Festival of Idea (FOI) Putrajaya 2025 held from 4 to 8 November at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).
UUM participated in the festival through three main exhibitors, namely the School of Technology Management and Logistics (STML) and the Islamic Business School (IBS), each showcasing their innovative creations to the public.
Among the featured innovations were EZEE DIY Aquaponics Automation System (EDAAS), an invention by Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohamad Farizal Rajemi; Gac Fruit Innovations: From Laboratory to the Community by Assoc. Prof. Dr Risyawati Mohamed Ismail; and an innovation by the Ummah Economic Development Zone (ZPEU) Programme , led by Prof. Dr Selamah Maamor which expresses the spirit of MADANI values, particularly Social Well-Being through the innovative methods.
Dr Farizal stated that participating in FOI provided the university with an opportunity to present research outcomes that have a direct impact on society while promoting sustainable practices in technology and smart architecture.
In his accordance, the hydroponic project developed through this initiative now enables target groups to earn additional income of at least RM600 per month, and he anticipates that the project will continue to expand and further improved in the future.
Meanwhile, Assistant Manager of the Agronomy Management division, Kedah State Zakat Board, (LZNK), Mr. Muhammad Solehin Mohd Noor, expressed his appreciation for UUM’s efforts in strengthening ties between academic institutions and implementing agencies through innovations that benefit the community.
“The collaboration between LZNK and UUM researchers has significantly benefited the asnaf. UUM has also taken the initiative to conduct research on the impact and potential improvements of these endeavours,” he said.
In addition to the exhibitions, FOI also features the Vice-Chancellor’s Podcast held at Dewan Putra A where the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, shared insights on the role of universities in empowering the national ecosystem of ideas and innovation.
The event also included the Ministry of Higher Education’s Research Grant Presentation Ceremony for Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and the Prototype Research Grant Scheme (PRGS). A total of 164 recipients from nine universities including UUM received the grants, represented by their respective grant leaders.
This festival, which kicked off on Tuesday aspires to position Malaysia as a regional hub for ideas and innovation, driving progress based on knowledge and MADANI values.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and attended by Minister of Higher Education. Dato’ Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Organised over five days by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), the festival serves as a strategic platform bringing together scholars, researchers, academicians, students and industry leaders to discuss the direction of knowledge and innovation development in a global context.
This initiative also aligns with the goal of making Putrajaya a centre for the exchange of ideas and international discourse, connecting Malaysia to the world through networks of knowledge and creativity.
Various pavilions and exhibition booths filled the festival space, showcasing research outputs, innovations and creative works from both public and private higher education institutions, making FOI a significant platform for fostering a culture of innovation among academia and the wider community.
