TITO BOX® V3 ACHIEVES GOLD AT ITEX 2026

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KUALA LUMPUR, 21 May 2026 – The School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasber Salim and the research team from the Biological Conservation and Research Group (BORG) on their remarkable achievement at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2026.

The team’s innovative project, TITO BOX® v3 integrated with ECHO-A, received international recognition through the Best SME Innovative for Intelligent Property (IP) Award Category for AI/Agriculture Sector, reflecting the growing impact of USM’s scientific excellence and sustainability-driven research at the global level.

The award-winning innovation is an intelligent behaviour-responsive ecological system designed to strengthen sustainable biological rodent control using barn owls as natural predators. The system represents a major advancement in ecological pest management by transforming conventional static nest boxes into adaptive intelligent habitats capable of supporting more efficient ecosystem interaction, biodiversity conservation and long-term environmental sustainability.

The innovation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasber Salim from the School of Biological Sciences, USM, in collaboration with project team members Mohd Shaiful Md Yusuff from USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd. and Harvish Thanasegar from the School of Biological Sciences, USM.

This achievement represents more than an award recognition, it is a testament to the dedication, passion and scientific leadership demonstrated by Dr. Hasber and his team in advancing intelligent ecological solutions for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Developed through years of research in behavioural ecology and biological pest management, the innovation successfully transforms conventional barn owl nesting systems into behaviour-responsive smart habitats capable of enhancing natural rodent control in agricultural ecosystems.

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The success of TITO BOX® v3 integrated with ECHO-A also reflects the strength of strategic collaboration between BORG, the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), and USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd. in integrating scientific research, ecological technology and industry expertise towards impactful and sustainable agricultural solutions.

Unlike conventional nesting systems that function passively, TITO BOX® v3 integrated with ECHO-A incorporates intelligent ecological response mechanisms that utilise species-specific acoustic attraction technology and adaptive habitat engineering to encourage barn owl occupancy and improve natural rodent management effectiveness across agricultural landscapes.

Designed for implementation in rice fields, plantations, hilly terrains and solar farm ecosystems, the innovation provides a sustainable alternative to chemical-based pest control methods while promoting ecological balance and environmental resilience. The integration of ecological monitoring and behaviour-responsive systems also enables long-term habitat management and supports biodiversity conservation efforts within agricultural ecosystems.

As one of the distinguished academicians of the School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Hasber continues to exemplify the spirit of impactful research and innovation championed by Universiti Sains Malaysia. His work not only contributes towards ecological sustainability and biodiversity conservation but also demonstrates how scientific knowledge can be translated into practical solutions that directly benefit industries, communities and the environment.

The School of Biological Sciences takes immense pride in this accomplishment and believes that the recognition further strengthens USM’s reputation as a leading institution in ecological innovation, sustainable technology and environmental research. The recognition received at ITEX 2026 further demonstrates USM’s continuous commitment towards impactful research, sustainability-driven innovation and the development of intelligent technologies capable of addressing current environmental and agricultural challenges at both national and international levels.

May this success continue to inspire greater innovation, meaningful scientific discoveries and continued excellence in research for the benefit of society and the environment.

Prepared by: Nur Ain Nabila Binti Mohamad Zaihan
Date: 21 May 2026