Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia France Institute (UniKL MFI) secured four awards at the 11th Apprentice Innovation & Research Exhibition (AIREx) 2026, recognising three engineering projects with potential applications in commercialisation, automotive technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
The exhibition, held on 15 October 2026 at Khatulistiwa Hall, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET), Perak, saw UniKL MFI claim one Best Commercialization Award, one Gold Medal and two Bronze Medals.
All three award-winning projects competed under the A2 IPT (Undergraduate) category, demonstrating the institute’s emphasis on applied research, student innovation and industry-oriented engineering education.
AIREx serves as a platform for local and international researchers, academics, students and industry partners to showcase innovative technologies and research findings while encouraging collaboration between higher education institutions and industry.
Among the highlights was the project titled Turn Gas Stove into Water Stove, which received both the Best Commercialization Award and a Gold Medal.
The project was developed by Asbullah Aziz, Ts. Mohamad Juraidi Jamal, Muhammad Daniel Hakim Mohd Rozaimi and Nurhakim Ahmad Fouzi Khan.
The innovation gained recognition for its creative engineering approach and potential for commercialisation, reflecting UniKL MFI’s efforts to encourage practical solutions that can move beyond academic research towards potential market applications.
The dual recognition also highlights the importance of combining technical creativity with commercial considerations, an increasingly valuable aspect of engineering innovation and entrepreneurship.
UniKL MFI also secured a Bronze Medal for the project UV Resistance Characteristics of Polymer-Based Undercoat Materials for Automotive Applications.
Developed by Ts. Mohamad Juraidi Jamal, Dr. Mohd Zaki Bahrom, Muhammad Khairul Ikhwan Madzlan and Mohamad Daniel Harun, the research evaluates the ultraviolet resistance characteristics of polymer-based undercoat materials used in automotive applications.
The study contributes to applied materials research by examining an important characteristic of protective materials relevant to the automotive sector.
Through research of this nature, UniKL MFI continues to provide opportunities for students and researchers to investigate industry-related engineering challenges and strengthen their practical research competencies.
Another Bronze Medal was awarded to Real-Time Driver Drowsiness Detection Using YOLOv11 Model, a project demonstrating the application of AI in driver monitoring.
The research team comprised Ts. Dr. Siti Norhafiza Abdul Razak, Nur Aisyah Mohd Hanif and Muhammad Mukhlis Mohd Yazid.
The project explores the use of the YOLOv11 artificial intelligence model for real-time driver drowsiness detection, with the aim of supporting road safety through intelligent monitoring technology.
By applying AI to a real-world transportation challenge, the project demonstrates how emerging digital technologies can be integrated into applied engineering research.
It also reflects UniKL’s growing engagement in AI-related innovation and the development of technical solutions that respond to contemporary industry and societal needs.
UniKL MFI’s achievements contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
