NEWS: Fair to showcase Malaysian inventions

ONG: "There’s been a lot of scepticism about Malaysian innovation and creativity; this event will help prove that there are good inventors in the country."

PETALING JAYA: More than 650 new inventions from Malaysia and the world will be showcased at the 21st Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (Itex) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 14.

The event, organised by The Malaysian Invention and Design Society (Minds), will showcase inventions for 24 sector industries, including ICT (information and communications technology), multimedia, aerospace and aviation, telecommunications, and home.

Thirty-one inventors from Malaysian research institutes and institutes of higher learning will participate in the event, as well as inventors from Russia, Iran, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and Vietnam.

The event is supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and is one of the official events of the the ministry’s Innovative Malaysia 2010 campaign.

Minds president Tan Sri Augustine Ong said Itex will give creative and innovative Malaysians the opportunity to bring their inventions out for the world to see.

“There’s been a lot of scepticism about Malaysian innovation and creativity; this event will help prove that there are good inventors in the country,” Ong said.

The main aim of the event is to give Malaysian inventors the national support they need and to build up their confidence.

“We also want to recognise these inventors for their hard work and creativity,” One said, adding that awards will be given to the best inventions at the show.

One highlight of the event is the Eco-Vention category, which will showcase environmentally-friendly inventions that could help the world reduce its carbon footprint.

“More than 50% of the inventions showcased at the event will be in this catergory,” Ong said.

Also participating are 10 teams of young inventors from primary and secondary schools nationwide, who will showcase their inventions at the Asian Young Inventors Exhibition (Ayie).

Ayie will run concurrently with Itex and aims to encourage creativity and innovation among young inventors, as well as give them a chance to experience presenting their works at an international competition.

Ong said it is vital to engage young inventors to cultivate an innovative culture in the country. “We want to look at new ideas and youngsters can come up with some of brilliant ones,” he added.

He also said that great inventors tend to come up with their greatest work when they are younger. “Older scientists may be brilliant thinkers but their mindset is already fixed, whereas youngsters can still explore and think outside the box,” he added.

In order to encourage more young inventors to come to the fore, Minds is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the ministry’s Malaysian Innovation Foundation at Itex.

The two organisations will collaborate to encourage young inventors in South-East Asia to continue to innovate.

“We’ll encourage them to showcase their inventions at exhibitions like Ayie, and hold other activities that will support innovation among youngsters,” Ong said.

Itex is open to trade and public visitors. For more information on the exhibition, go to www.itex.com.my.