MOHAMAD ABBAS ISRUN AMONG TOP FIVE FINALISTS AT THE 12TH UTU AWARDS 2026

USM, PENANG, 25 September 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) congratulates Mohamad Abbas Isrun, a Year 3 student from the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), for being named among the Top Five Finalists at The 12th UTU Awards 2026 International in the Innovative Product Based on Agro and Marine Industry category, held at Universitas Teuku Umar (UTU), Aceh, Indonesia.

Themed “Step Up To Global: Inspiring Innovation for a Better Tomorrow”, The 12th UTU Awards 2026 is an international innovation competition organised by Universitas Teuku Umar, providing a platform for students from higher education institutions to showcase innovative ideas, technology-based solutions and creative approaches while fostering international networking and collaboration.

The 12th edition brought together 75 finalists from 35 higher education institutions across four countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Kenya. The competition featured five categories, with 15 finalists in each category.

Malaysia was represented by three finalists, comprising two finalists from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and one finalist from USM, with Mohamad Abbas representing USM in the competition.

For the competition, Mohamad Abbas presented a solar-powered fish storage system prototype under the Innovative Product Based on Agro and Marine Industry category. The prototype integrates several key components, including an active cooling system, an insulated storage compartment, real-time temperature monitoring through the Internet of Things (IoT), a weighing system and solar energy management.

The innovation focuses on exploring a practical technology-based solution to support the storage and management of fish catches, particularly in maintaining the quality of marine products after landing. The integration of solar energy also highlights the potential use of renewable energy to support the operational requirements of the system.

The project was developed through a collaboration between Mohamad Abbas Isrun of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Low Kuang Loon of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). The collaboration brought together knowledge, ideas and technical expertise in the development of technology-based innovation for the agro and marine sectors.

During his participation in Indonesia, Mohamad Abbas was accompanied by Dr Hafiz Hanafi as the accompanying officer, who provided guidance and support throughout the competition. His participation and preparation for the competition also received support from Ms Aishah.

Being selected as one of the Top Five Finalists out of 15 finalists in the Innovative Product Based on Agro and Marine Industry category provides recognition of Mohamad Abbas’ efforts in developing and presenting an innovation with potential applications in addressing challenges related to the storage and management of marine products.

The international competition also provided an opportunity for him to engage with participants from various higher education institutions, exchange ideas and perspectives, and expand his academic and professional network across countries.

The achievement reflects the importance of providing students with opportunities to participate in international innovation platforms, where they can apply knowledge and skills while gaining exposure to different perspectives, technologies and approaches to problem-solving.

USM congratulates Mohamad Abbas Isrun on this achievement and hopes that the experience will encourage his continued involvement in innovation, research and technology development, as well as contribute to further collaborations at the international level.

Congratulations and well done to Mohamad Abbas Isrun on this commendable achievement.

Text & Photography: Mohamad Abbas Isrun, Year 3 Student, School of Biological Sciences (SBS)
Text adapted and edited by: Nur Ain Nabila Mohamad Zaihan