The International Borneo Innovation, Exhibition & Competition (IBIEC) 2024, held on 23 and 24 October at Politeknik Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, celebrated groundbreaking ideas and innovation. Among the remarkable achievements at the event were the innovative contributions of two Bachelor’s in Computing students, Khor Chin Zhe and Chia Teik Hua, whose projects secured Silver Awards and left a lasting impression on industry experts and academic leaders alike.
Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, the Department of Education, Polytechnics and Community Colleges, and the Polytechnic of Pontianak, Indonesia, IBIEC 2024 offered participants a hybrid format combining online and physical presentations. This approach fostered a vibrant exchange of knowledge, connecting academia and industry to explore ideas with high potential for commercialisation.
Both Khor and Chia began their journey by submitting their projects on 30th June 2024. By 2nd September, their exceptional work was recognised, earning them Top 10 finalist positions in their respective categories and a coveted opportunity to present their ideas during a face-to-face pitching session on 23rd October.
Khor’s project, the E-Library System, addressed the accessibility challenges faced by students and educators in sourcing e-books and scholarly resources. Submitted under the Teaching and Learning, Education Technology, and Pedagogy category, the system streamlines access to digital learning materials, fostering inclusivity and efficiency. This innovative solution supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), aiming to enhance educational access for all.
Meanwhile, Chia’s Self-Open Registration (SOR) System tackled administrative challenges within tertiary academic institutions. Presented in the ICT, Multimedia Safety, and Security category, the system optimises registration processes, promotes financial transparency, and enhances student engagement. By aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), the SOR system showcases how technology can address real-world administrative inefficiencies while fostering inclusivity.
The dynamic platform of IBIEC 2024 allowed these young innovators to gain valuable feedback from industry experts and network with potential collaborators. Their success underscores the importance of fostering creativity and innovation among students, paving the way for impactful contributions to education, technology, and sustainability.
Guided by their lecturer, Mohd Amizar Abdul Majid, the students’ achievements reflect not only their dedication and hard work but also a commitment to driving change through sustainable innovation. Their Silver Awards serve as a testament to their potential to shape the future of their fields, inspiring others to strive for excellence in tackling global challenges.
This initiative is in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, specifically:
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities