First Falling Walls Lab – Malaysia 2016 was hosted by AIMST University, Malaysia at its Semeling campus on the 20th August 2016 as an independent partner of Falling Walls Lab Berlin, Germany. Falling Walls Lab Malaysia at AIMST University is supported by Academy of Sciences Malaysia and PlaTCOM Ventures Sdn Bhd as organizing partner.
A total of 51 participants with diverse background participated and presented their innovative and inspiring ideas, ground-breaking research projects, initiatives and business models in front of high profile team of juries and audience with 3 minutes presentation time. The participants were from various nationalities Algeria, India, Iraq, Iran, Maldives, Pakistan, Yemen and Malaysia.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Hon’ble Prof. Dr. Manickam Ravichandran, CEO & Vice chancellor, AIMST University. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Baidi. Bahari, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy & DVC (R&I and Infrastructure), AIMST University led the team of juries along with 4 other renowned members from all disciplines.
Malaysian post doctorate researcher Dr. Umaiyal A/P Munusamy from Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), University Malaya, Malaysia won the 1st place breaking the ‘Wall of Food insecurity’. She developed plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) which induce positive effect in plant growth under stressful condition that will help farmers to overcome the problem of plant growth inhibition irrespective of climate conditions. She was awarded as the finalist entry to Falling Walls Lab, Berlin on 8 November, 2016 with a travel and accommodation sponsorship by AIMST University, Malaysia.
Mr. Mohd Yusof Mohamad from International Islamic University, Malaysia secured the second place for breaking the ‘Wall of low back pain’. The 3rd place was gained by Dr. Jo-Han Ng from University of Southampton (Malaysia campus) for his winning idea of breaking the ‘Wall of Biodiesel renewable energy’.
Dr. K. Marimuthu, DVC (Academic & International Affairs), felicitated all the juries with certificates and tokens of appreciation. The programme concluded with award ceremony, vote of thanks by Dr. Mukesh Singh Sikarwar, the organizing secretary of the event and group photo.
Contributed by: Dr. Mukesh Singh Sikarwar, AIMST University, Malaysia.
Source: AIMST E-Bulletin Volume II Issue III (October 2016)