SINTOK, 10 October 2025 – Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) continues to strengthen its culture of knowledge and innovation through the vibrant Festival of Ideas @ Kedah, held at Mu’adzam Shah Hall, UUM.
The programme organised by the Research Management Centre (RMC) in collaboration with the Department of Research, Development and Innovation Affairs (JHEPPI), serves as a platform to showcase research outcomes, innovations and creative ideas of the university community to the public.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, Vice-Chancellor of UUM.
During his welcoming address, Prof. Ts. Dr Osman Ghazali, Assistant Vice-Chancellor UUM College of Arts and Sciences (UUM CAS), who is also the Deputy Chairman of the UUM Festival of Ideas Committee, said that his festival provides a platform for highlighting research findings and innovative ideas for the benefit of the local community.
According to him, Festival of Ideas @ Kedah is a continuation of the Festival of Ideas Putrajaya held last year, now expanded to the state level to encourage wider participation in research and knowledge-sharing.
Meanwhile, in his officiating address, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, emphasised that universities not only serve as institutions that generate knowledge, but also bear the responsibility of ensuring that such knowledge benefits society.
He also shared his experiences and insights, encouraging the university community to emulate the innovation practices demonstrated by universities in Taiwan, which have effectively generated numerous innovations to meet the needs of the local community.
“Universities in Taiwan have successfully integrated a culture of innovation by employing open idea-sharing approaches that are based on the needs of their community. The innovations they produce are often focused on practical applications that integrate traditional elements with modern technology, consistently supported by key stakeholders,” he said.
He further emphasised that the implementation of the Festival of Ideas (FOI) aims to cultivate a culture of innovation among the younger generation and provide a platform for sharing research experiences and outcomes among members of the university.
The ceremony concluded with the festival launching gimmick, followed by a tour of the exhibition booths led by the Vice-Chancellor and invited guests, showcasing research outcomes, innovations and community-based products.
Also present were Dato’ Haji Zepri Saad, Director of Kedah State Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU); Assoc. Prof. Dr Muhammad Nasri Md. Hussain, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) UNISHAM; University Management Committee Members; Prof. Dr Nor Idayu Mahat, Director of Research Management Centre; invited guests; senior university officials and members of the organising secretariat.
