2 GOLD MEDALS AND 1 SILVER MEDAL IN MINGGU PENYELIDIKAN DAN INOVASI 2026 (MPI 2026)

KEMAMAN, TERENGGANU, 23 June 2026 – Researchers from the Biomedicine Programme, School of Health Sciences (PPSK), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), once again demonstrated their excellence in research and innovation by securing two Gold Medals and one Silver Medal at the Minggu Penyelidikan dan Inovasi 2026 (MPI 2026) held on 22–23 June 2026 at University College TATI (UC TATI), Terengganu.

The prestigious innovation event was jointly organised by University College TATI (UC TATI), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), attracting 356 innovation projects from higher education institutions, research organisations, and industry partners across Malaysia. Out of these submissions, only 79 projects were awarded Gold Medals.

Among the notable achievers were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Dasuki Sul’ain and Ts. Dr. Nurhidanatasha Abu Bakar from the Biomedicine Programme, PPSK, who each led innovative projects that earned Gold Medal recognition.

Leading the way in sustainable agricultural innovation, Ts. Dr. Nurhidanatasha Abu Bakar and her research team, together with collaborators from Universitas Andalas (UNAND), Indonesia, led by Dr. Ir. Eka Candra Lina, developed an innovative nanoemulsion-based bioinsecticide formulated from Piper aduncum (sireh hutan) essential oil and Cymbopogon nardus (serai wangi) hydrosol. The formulation incorporates nanotechnology to protect bioactive compounds from degradation caused by sunlight and microbial activity, thereby enhancing stability and effectiveness. This eco-friendly innovation offers a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic insecticides and has shown significant potential for pest management applications in Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region.eanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Dasuki Sul’ain and his team were awarded a Gold Medal for the USM-DM DASH V1 Steam Distillation Machine, an innovative and cost-effective solution designed to facilitate essential oil extraction at the community level. The machine serves as an affordable alternative to conventional steam distillation systems. It enables the production of high-value products such as scented candles, perfumes, massage oils, soaps, and pure essential oils. The innovation supports entrepreneurship, sustainable resource utilisation, and income generation among local communities.

In addition to the Gold Medal achievements, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Dasuki Sul’ain and his team also received a Silver Medal Award for the MindEase Pen (MEP), a novel three-in-one portable aromatherapeutic device developed to support stress management among university students. Integrating a functional writing pen with Melaleuca cajuputi essential oil, the device offers a convenient, natural, and accessible way to relieve stress during study sessions and academic activities.

These achievements reflect the commitment of PPSK researchers to translating scientific discoveries into impactful innovations that address real-world challenges in health, agriculture, sustainability, and community well-being. The awards further reinforce USM’s position as a leading institution in research excellence and innovation while contributing to the advancement of sustainable technologies and eco-health solutions at both national and international levels.