The School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievement of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Mahadi Halim and his PhD student Kevin Ooi Zheng, who have won a Gold Medal at the prestigious International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN 2025). Their innovation, titled “Violet Random Laser from Cost-Effective Zinc Oxide Nanorods”, also received special recognition through the Canadian Special Award presented by Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc. “The Inventors Circle.”

This innovative project explores the use of zinc oxide nanorods as an active medium to produce cost-effective random lasers, which hold great potential as next-generation photonic devices, application in biomedical imaging, security applications. The innovation not only highlights scientific creativity and excellence but also paves the way for sustainable and competitive laser technologies to benefit industries and global society.

Held annually in Toronto, iCAN is one of the world’s premier platforms for inventors and innovators, attracting participants from more than 80 countries. Winning at iCAN signifies top-level international recognition, showcasing the capability of USM researchers to advance knowledge and drive technological innovation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Mahadi expressed his gratitude for this recognition, acknowledging the dedication of his student, Kevin Ooi Zheng, as well as the strong support from the School of Physics and the university. “This achievement reflects the perseverance, collaboration, and innovation that are continuously nurtured at USM, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). We are proud to contribute meaningful research that creates real impact on society, while inspiring young generations in Malaysia and around the world to boldly explore the frontiers of science and technology,” he said.

Pusat Pengajian Sains Fizik, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) berbangga meraikan kejayaan cemerlang Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Mahadi Halim bersama pelajar PhD beliau Kevin Ooi Zheng yang berjaya meraih Pingat Emas di pertandingan berprestij International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN 2025). Inovasi yang bertajuk “Violet Random Laser from Cost-Effective Zinc Oxide Nanorods” turut menerima pengiktirafan istimewa melalui Canadian Special Award oleh Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc. “The Inventors Circle”.

Projek inovatif ini meneroka penggunaan nanorod zink oksida sebagai bahan aktif untuk menghasilkan laser rawak dengan kos efektif, yang mempunyai potensi besar sebagai peranti fotonik generasi baharu, pengimejan bioperubatan, serta aplikasi keselamatan. Inovasi ini bukan sahaja menonjolkan kreativiti dan kecemerlangan saintifik, malah membuka jalan kepada teknologi baru laser yang lebih mampan dan berdaya saing untuk dimanfaatkan oleh industri dan masyarakat global.

iCAN, yang dianjurkan setiap tahun di Toronto, merupakan salah satu platform global utama untuk para pencipta dan inovator, dengan penyertaan dari lebih 80 negara. Kemenangan di iCAN menandakan pengiktirafan bertaraf antarabangsa yang tertinggi, sekali gus menyerlahkan keupayaan penyelidik USM dalam memacu pengetahuan dan inovasi teknologi ke hadapan.

Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Mahadi menzahirkan rasa syukur atas pengiktirafan ini sambil menghargai dedikasi pelajarnya, Kevin Ooi Zheng, serta sokongan padu daripada Pusat Pengajian Sains Fizik dan pihak universiti. “Pencapaian ini mencerminkan kesungguhan, kerjasama dan inovasi yang sentiasa di pupuk di USM, selaras dengan Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UN SDG) khususnya SDG 9 (Industri, Inovasi dan Infrastruktur) dan SDG 11 (Bandar dan Komuniti Mampan). Kami berbangga dapat menyumbang penyelidikan bermakna yang memberi impak kepada masyarakat dan menjadi inspirasi kepada generasi muda di Malaysia dan seluruh dunia untuk terus berani meneroka sempadan sains dan teknologi.,” katanya.