Albukhary International University (AIU) reaffirmed its role as a leader in STEM education and digital innovation by hosting the Kedah Maker Fair 2025, a flagship event under the Young Innovators Challenge (YIC).
Held on 28 August 2025 at AIU’s Convocation Hall, the fair attracted 66 teams from 20 secondary schools across Kedah, turning the campus into a hub of creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge problem solving.
AIU Hosts Kedah Maker Fair 2025
The Maker Fair was far more than just a competition. AIU created a living laboratory where students showcased bold, practical solutions to real-world challenges. Guided by the theme “AI for Social Good,” participants designed and presented prototypes that addressed issues such as:
- Expanding healthcare access
- Strengthening education systems
- Promoting sustainability
- Supporting local community development
Inspiring Students Through AI and Innovation
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Basheer Riskhan, Dean of the School of Computing and Informatics (SCI), stressed the importance of nurturing innovation from an early stage.
“We must cultivate critical thinking and innovation in schools to ensure Malaysia produces future-ready STEM graduates,” he said.
Joining him was Dr. Chew Yen Seng, CEO of Chumbaka Sdn. Bhd., who highlighted the role of industry in bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.
Winners Recognised for Impactful Prototypes
Throughout the day, student teams defended their projects before a panel of industry leaders and academics. Each project was evaluated for:
- Originality
- Practicality
- Social impact
The fair concluded with awards for outstanding teams whose AI-driven prototypes demonstrated both technical skill and meaningful social purpose.
Extending AIU’s Mission Beyond the Campus
In his closing address, Prof. Dr. Hj. Mohamad Abdullah Bin Hemdi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), underlined AIU’s mission to embed innovation and social responsibility across all academic programmes:
“By providing a platform for young innovators to engage with emerging technologies such as AI, AIU is investing in the next generation of problem-solvers.”
He added that events like the Maker Fair help position youth as active contributors to Malaysia’s innovation-driven economy.
Collaboration with Kedah Education Department
The fair was organised with strong support from the Kedah State Education Department, represented by Encik Mohammad Azizul Hafiz Bin Nor Azman, Deputy Director of Student Talent Development.
The initiative was coordinated by Madam Nadiah Binti Arsat, Lecturer at SCI, with invaluable support from AIU faculty members, administrative staff, and AIU student mentors.
Building a Future of Innovation and Social Responsibility
The Kedah Maker Fair 2025 marks a significant step in AIU’s commitment to education, innovation, and community engagement. By empowering secondary school students to use artificial intelligence as a tool for social good, AIU continues to position itself as a national leader in STEM and digital innovation.
