Champion: Universiti Malaya – Leong Yu Hong (Team Leader), Lim Jie Min, Wong Mei Jing, Woon Chee Man, Tan Yin Yi & Chen Kang Yi.
THE 15th edition of the Open Ideas Competition for Students (OIC-2024), organised by the Malaysian Structural Steel Association (MSSA) in collaboration with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia and PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PMV), concluded on October 23, 2024, at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Center (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. This year’s theme, “Sustainability in Steel Construction Industry – Restoration and Evolution of Merdeka Stadium,” was not just a challenge but a call to action, pushing participants to blend modern engineering with historical preservation.
Second Place: Universiti Teknologi MARA – Muhammad Akiff Nor Azmi (Team Leader), Mohammad Raihan Bin Mohamad Rafi, Fariessa Ameer Binti Kamaruddin, Nur Maisarah Binti Mohd Nasir & Ainur Fatin Nadhirah Binti Yusni.
Third Place: Universiti Sains Malaysia – Mohamad Adlan Bin Mohd Ali (Team Leader), Muhammad Asyraf Aiman Bin Zulnajmi, Koay Yi Hong, Mohd Zulkamal Arif Bin Abd Ghani, Dharishini A/P Poovalingam & Muhammad Hasrul Naim Bin Hasni Apandi.
A Platform for Young Innovators
The competition saw entries from 29 teams representing 11 universities, involving approximately 170 students from architecture and civil engineering disciplines. This prestigious event, held during the CIDB International Construction Week (ICW), required students to research and propose innovative designs for the iconic Merdeka Stadium, a UNESCO award-winning heritage site.
Panel judges comprised six members from both engineering and architectural professionals and academicians. This includes three Special Guest Judges, i.e., one representative from the MSSA Council Members; the project site owner, PNB Merdeka Ventures; and Jabatan Warisan Negara, to share their input and perspective in the final judging.
Celebrating the Champions
The Grand Prize went to Universiti Malaya’s Team SM-006, led by Leong Yu Hong, with an impressive concept that seamlessly merged sustainability with structural elegance. Second place was awarded to Universiti Teknologi MARA’s Team SM-016, followed by Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Team SM-030 in third. Consolation prizes were awarded to Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia teams.
Consolation 1: Universiti Sains Malaysia – Nur Shafiqah Binti Jefri (Team Leader), Mohd Hazimi Afif Bin Fairus, Ammar Danish Bin Hadi Irazman, Lim Hong Xiang & Muhamad Nizar Bin Zulkarnain.
Consolation 2: Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia – Nur Aqilah Nadhirah Bt Mohd Jais (Team Leader), Ain Najwa Bt Osman, Nurin Nabilah Bt Mohamad Nizam, Munifah Faqihah Bt Anuar, Muhammad Adam Nurman Bin Mohd Nor & Muhammad Irfan Bin Hassan.
Awards and Recognition
Winners received various prizes, including a RM 10,000 cash award for the champion, sponsored by CIDB Malaysia. Additional sponsors such as KHP Steel Product, Jotun Paints, Faqua Build, Hitec Metal, and Bina Puri Holdings played significant roles in supporting this initiative, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to fostering innovation. Certificates of recognition were presented to all participants, emphasising the competition’s goal of fostering industry collaboration.
Future Outlook
Datuk Wira Ir. Roslan Bin Ismail, MSSA President, praised the creativity and dedication demonstrated, highlighting the event’s role in shaping future leaders in sustainable construction. He expressed confidence in OIC’s continuity and growing impact, inspiring hope for the innovative solutions that future editions will bring.
OIC-2024 is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration between heritage preservation and modern engineering, pushing boundaries and inspiring future generations.
