From 29 to 31 May 2025, SEGi College Penang etched its name on the global innovation stage as its Diploma in Information Technology students made a groundbreaking debut at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2025.
Among over 900 world-class inventions from 15 countries, including heavyweights like the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Kuwait, and Russia, SEGi’s youthful team—led by student innovator Lam Yong Qin—clinched a coveted Silver Medal in the fiercely contested Waste Management category. Their invention, “Trash Track”, not only turned heads but redefined what diploma-level innovation can achieve in the fight for global sustainability.
“Trash Track” is a web-based, IoT-integrated system featuring a prototype smart bin that detects and monitors waste accumulation in real time. It’s a high-impact solution with real-world scalability—especially crucial as the world generates over 2.24 billion tonnes of solid waste annually, of which only 55% is managed in controlled facilities, according to the World Bank.
By using digital tools to tackle inefficient waste practices, the project contributes directly to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), paving the way for smarter, cleaner urban and industrial environments.
This achievement speaks volumes about the purpose behind SEGi’s commitment to nurturing innovation at every level of study. In a space traditionally dominated by PhD researchers, seasoned inventors, and international professors, SEGi stood out not just for competing—but for winning.
The team was the only Diploma-level group to enter the Individual Category, making their win not just unexpected but historic. Their participation aligns with Malaysia’s long-term vision for a digitally empowered nation through initiatives such as the Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Roadmap and the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021–2030.
Guided by passionate and forward-thinking faculty, SEGi’s project reinforces the power of early innovation, showing that the seeds of sustainability and technological impact can—and must—be planted early in the educational journey. By empowering students with practical, globally relevant skills, SEGi helps shape a generation that not only keeps pace with global challenges but actively designs solutions for them.
The recognition from a panel of international jurors and industry experts at ITEX 2025 confirms that innovation can thrive at any level when students are given the right platform, mentorship, and purpose. It also strengthens Malaysia’s position as an emerging innovation hub, in line with national and global sustainability goals.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities