The 4th International Research, Innovation, Creativity & Engineering Project Competition (i-RICE’26) concluded on 27th September 2026 with an Award Ceremony and Dinner at GoodHope Hotel, Skudai, following three days of project exhibitions and activities at Sutera Mall, Johor Bahru.
Organised by the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia–Southern University College (IEM–SUC) Student Section and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology of Southern University College (SUC), i-RICE’26 brought together students, researchers, educators and industry representatives to present their ideas and practical solutions. Virtual project evaluations were also held from 15th to 18th September 2026.
The physical exhibition opened on 25th September 2026 at Sutera Mall and Ir. Lim Wuh Terng, Vice Chairman of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (Southern Branch), attended the Opening Ceremony. Representatives of Southern University College in attendance included Dato’ Vincent Tan Meng Seng, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Datin Janice Teh Hwee Tiang, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors; Goh Lai Chai, Treasurer of the Board of Directors; Mok Chek Hou, Chairman of the Board of Governors; Prof. ChM. Dr Leong Loong Kong, President; Asst. Prof. Dr Chua Yee Chii, Vice President (Research & Innovation), Chan Bun Seng, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and Tung Khai Yen, Chairman of the Organising Committee. Representatives of participating institutions and industry partners also attended.
The Opening Ceremony included the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Xi’an NovaStar Technology Co., Ltd., Lincotec Technology (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., AgroGreen Asia Sdn. Bhd. and YES Production Perkongsian Liabiliti Terhad. The agreements reflect Southern University College’s efforts to strengthen links between education, research and industry.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors met project teams and explored their work. Activities on 26th September 2026 included the STEMBridge competition, an AI forum and a blood donation drive.
The competition culminated in the Award Ceremony and Dinner on 27th September 2026, attended by Ir. Dr Kong Weng Keong, Chairman of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (Southern Branch). Among the award recipients, Southern University College’s Dr Masitah binti Zulkepli received the Most Humanity Project Award, which carried a RM500 prize, while William Kwong Fook Chen received the Best Idea Award, which carried a RM600 prize. Raffles University received two special awards, while Southern University College and MRSM Gemencheh each received one special award, with MRSM Gemencheh recognised in the secondary school category.
At the dinner, Mok Chek Hou congratulated the participants and thanked the organising committee for its work.
Prof. ChM. Dr. Leong Loong Kong thanked the jury members, sponsors, collaborators and organising team for their support. Ir. Dr Kong Weng Keong encouraged IEM student sections to continue organising international events and expressed the Southern Branch’s continued support for future events organised by the faculty and the IEM–SUC Student Section.
Chan Bun Seng expressed his appreciation to the sponsors, Southern University College management, VTC Solutions Sdn. Bhd., IEM and the organising committee for their support in making the faculty’s annual flagship event a success. Tung Khai Yen also thanked Singapore Polytechnic, industry partners, exhibitors and participating teams for their contributions.
Through i-RICE’26, Southern University College aims to provide emerging innovators with opportunities to share their work, receive professional feedback and build connections for future development.
