By UOW Malaysia 

On 27 February 2025, UOW Malaysia achieved a significant milestone by winning the Gold Award in the Poster Presentation category at the International Innovation Idea Competition (INNOCOM V). The winning team, led by Associate Professor Dr Yong Shee Mun and Karen Poon Yean Peng from UOW Malaysia’s School of Business, showcased their innovative concept at this competitive event.

This international competition, organised by Academic International Dialogue (AID) Academy attracted participants from Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. INNOCOM V provides a global platform for professionals, academics, researchers, and students to present their innovative ideas and cutting-edge research. The Innovation Idea category is highly competitive, challenging participants to present complex, forward-thinking concepts through compelling posters or detailed reports, with the option of submitting extended abstracts for added depth.

The winning project introduced an innovative Problem-Based Work-Integrated Learning (PBWIL) framework, integrating three educational models—PBWIL, the Kirkpatrick Model, and Revans’ Action Learning System. The model enables postgraduate students to collaborate with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to solve real-world challenges, thereby enhancing their employability. The PBWIL model promotes hands-on problem-solving, the Kirkpatrick Model evaluates learning effectiveness, and Revans’ Action Learning System fosters iterative learning through action, reflection, and feedback, benefiting both SMEs and students and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The UOW Malaysia team dedicated months to developing a visually engaging poster with powerful messaging that captured the innovation’s essence. Their victory highlights the originality, practicality, and potential impact of their project, which addressed a real-world challenge. The project’s unique approach demonstrated scalability and offered solutions to pressing issues, benefiting its target audience. Judged by experts, the competition focused on creativity and real-world impact, and UOW Malaysia’s win reflects the innovation and creativity of their presentation.

Click here to watch the INNOCOM V 2024 Award Announcement Ceremony.