GEORGE TOWN, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) emerged as the overall champion of the 18th New Horizon Innovative and Creative Group (KIK) Convention 2026 at the public university level after clinching five main awards, including the Overall Best Award, at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) yesterday.
In a statement today, USM said the achievement was driven by the SAFE-GAS smart hazardous gas control system, developed by the INORVASI Group from the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), USM.
“The SAFE-GAS innovation, which topped 53 KIK groups from public universities nationwide, was specifically developed to address risks of toxic and corrosive gas leaks such as hydrogen, ammonia and chlorine, commonly used in research laboratories.
“The low-cost automated safety system integrates smart gas leak detectors, ventilation interlock mechanisms, automatic supply shut-off, emergency communication systems, as well as digital data recording for monitoring and audit purposes,” the statement said.
In addition to being named Overall Best, the project also won the Service Delivery Innovation (Improvement) category, taking home RM6,000 in cash, a trophy and a certificate of appreciation.
USM said it fielded six teams representing the Main Campus, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital (HPUSM) and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Cancer Centre (PKTAAB) at the convention.
Other notable achievements included the OKU Transformation group from the Health Campus, which secured second place in the Social Innovation (Creation) category with its Intellectual Disability Job Training Module project, while the RAD-TRACKERS Group from PKTAAB was named runner-up in the Service Delivery Innovation (Creation) category with its Radiology Digital Appointment System (RADxAppt).
Meanwhile, the FACE-EX9 group from the Development and Facilities Management Department (JPPF), Main Campus, received the Promising Innovation Award in the Social Innovation (Improvement) category and RM1,000 in cash for its MycoBoost Oyster Mushroom Production Module project.
USM Registrar Mohd Azizudin Mohd Shariff said the five major awards reflected the university community’s ability to translate creative ideas into practical solutions that enhance work efficiency and service quality.
“This achievement highlights a culture of creativity and continuous quality improvement among the university community.
“It is hoped that the achievement will inspire members of our community to continue fostering innovation and creativity, further strengthening the university’s aspiration to drive excellence,” he said.
-- BERNAMA