SERDANG, 13 March - Researchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) had successfully created a frame made of kenaf core fibre and industrial plastic, known as PUTRA Frame. The frame is non-toxic to human, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable with microbes.

The principal researcher, Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Sapuan Salit said that PUTRA Frame has high impact strength due to the presence of kenaf core fibre, and it is convenient to be carried around as it is lightweight. “Its use is flexible either in landscape or portrait position, and it can be fixed on the table or hung on the wall.  The design of the UPM logo component is also versatile and can be changed to suit its needs and suitability,” said Prof. Dr. Sapuan on Innovation Open Day (IOD) at the Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP) 2019 here. He said that PUTRA Frame is registered and has received intellectual property protection, and it is ready for commercialisation. According to Prof. Dr. Sapuan, the innovation creates the awareness in society towards the benefits of using biocomposite materials in everyday life to protect the environment and human health.

The innovation is a collaborative effort by INTROP and the Faculty of Design and Architecture (FRSB), Bursar Office, and UPM asnaf students. Other researchers include Prof. Dr. Paridah Md. Tahir (INTROP) as advisor; Dr Ahmad Adlie Shamsuri and Dr. Syeed SaifulAzry Osman Al-Edrus (researchers from INTROP); Mohd Shazwan Jamhari (INTROP Science Officer); Mohd Hifizie Manap (INTROP Assistant Science Officer); and Dr. Hassan Ali (FRSB).

Meanwhile, during the officiating ceremony of the IOD INTROP 2019, the Chief Assistant Director of Centre of Excellence, Excellence Planning Division, Ministry of Education, Shahril Nizam Idris mentioned that researchers and IHL stakeholders must exploit ideas to produce creative innovation and invent products which can be marketed across borders. He added that the role of HEIs is not just to deliver knowledge but also to create innovation through ongoing research.

The UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Zulkifli Idrus commented that the collaborative relationships between academia and industry must be improved as it is one of the platforms to provide and disseminate information. He further added that the collaborative relationships are an important element which can empower a university in becoming a one-stop knowledge centre, an innovation hub, and for knowledge sharing, which in turn promote innovation which can contribute to the wealth of the country.

Date of Input: 14/10/2019 | Updated: 14/10/2019 | nsyahirah