KUCHING: The International Borneo Innovation, Expo and Conference (IBIEC) 2025 concluded with resounding success this week, celebrating a total of 280 entries from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
The event, themed “Global Innovation Synergy: Bridging Education, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Technology”, once again solidified its stature as one of the region’s most prestigious platforms for innovation and education, supporting Sarawak’s broader agenda of becoming a green and digital economic powerhouse by 2030.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine, speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Waterfront Hotel today (Aug 6), said the event’s strong youth participation marked a significant step towards cultivating Sarawak’s future leaders.
“The participation of school students in the Young Scientist category shows their deep interest in STEM. They are our future innovators who will raise Sarawak’s standing in the region,” he said.
Royston also emphasised that IBIEC 2025 supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 and SDG 9), in line with Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing a tech-savvy, environmentally conscious generation.
Out of the 280 projects showcased, champions were crowned across nine key innovation categories, each highlighting excellence in creativity, research, and practical application.
In the Construction & Material / Built Environment Design & Interior Design category, the top prize went to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Meanwhile, in the Machine, Equipment & Manufacturing process category, another team from the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) impressed judges with their invention.
For the ICT and Multimedia category, the winning title was awarded to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) for their innovative project, while UiTM Shah Alam claimed victories in the Electrical and Electronics category and in the Green Product / Agriculture / Environment / Renewable Energy category.
In the Teaching & Learning category, Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Rajang emerged as the champion.
The Social and Entrepreneurship category was topped by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan.
However, Royston presented awards virtually to the winners of two out of the nine main categories of IBIEC 2025, the Young Scientist category (13–18 years) and the Junior Scientist category (7–12 years).
Ma’had Tahfiz Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub emerged as the champion in the Junior Scientist category, while the Young Scientist category was won by SMAIT Harapan Mulia Palembang, Indonesia.
The event was co-organised by Politeknik Mukah Sarawak (PMU) and Politeknik Negeri Jakarta, with support from the Mukah District Education Office, MRSM Mukah, Kolej Komuniti Miri, Sarawak Skills, CENTEXS, Education Malaysia Indonesia, and DA Virtual Sdn Bhd.
Projects were evaluated from June 9 to July 8, followed by virtual presentations on July 23, before the official closing ceremony.
