ITEX is a key launch pad for investors seeking to market their products, technology and innovations.

       THE International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2021 is happening today and tomorrow at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to showcase inventions of ground-breaking technology.

       Themed ‘Reset, Reinvent, Reimaging’, ITEX 2021 features inventions set to advance our lives through – and to aid in our transition living with – Covid-19.

       Adopting a hybrid model of an online and physical exhibition this year, the internationally renowned annual exhibition continues to widen borders, maximising potential reach between inventors and innovators with venture capitalists and other stakeholders.

       ITEX 2021 received close to 500 inventions from participants across 15 countries and regions across all categories, including participation for the ITEX Invention and Design Competition and The World Young Inventors Exhibition (WYIE), comprising Asian Young Inventors Exhibition (AYIE) and Malaysian Young Inventors Exhibition (MYIE).

       With over 30 inventions related to the prevention of Covid-19, the top three invention classifications for ITEX are medical and health; environment and energy; and education, while for WYIE tops the list with environment; information and communications technology multimedia, as well as agriculture.

       New highlights this year include the vocational education and training (TVET) component in the competition, supporting the national agenda to advance the TVET sector.

       The new Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS) Award recognises outstanding thematic inventions presented at ITEX 2021 and will remain as an annual prestigious award bestowed upon inventions that celebrate the year’s theme.

       (From left) MINDS president Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Augustine Ong, Academy of Science Malaysia (ASM) senior fellow and founding president Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Omar Abdul Rahman and C.I.S president Datuk Vincent Lim officiated the launch of ITEX 2021.

       Among other interesting programmes include TechTalk that features talks by industry experts on the latest in technology; Pitch4Fund, which comprises pitching sessions that match inventors with potential funders, opening the possibilities of breaking a new product into the market; as well as Young Inventor Showcase, a platform for students of local and international schools to showcase their creations.

       Running concurrently with ITEX 2021 is the fifth edition of the WYIE, encouraging young minds to explore their creative and critical thinking skills through innovative inventions via AYIE and MYIE.

       Officiating ITEX 2021 was Academy of Science Malaysia senior fellow and founding president Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Omar Abdul Rahman, who is also the former science advisor in the Prime Minister Department.

       “Businesses are improving their productivity by adopting and adapting new technologies, autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence and remote sensors in their current operations as processes move towards IR4.0.

       Adaption to these technologies will bring better paying jobs for people of all qualifications, improving quality of life and this can only be realised through better education and exposure in Science, Technology and Innovation” he said.

       Also present at the officiating ceremony was MINDS president Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Augustine Ong.

       “As we evolve into a new state of equilibrium, innovative inventions will be the society’s crutch. It will pave the way for new businesses to emerge and drive existing economic sectors like agriculture and energy to transform with the adoption of new technologies,” he said, adding that these inventions must be properly supported and adequately funded to restore and build economic resilience.

       Meanwhile, a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony was also held to mark the collaboration between MINDS and the Lions Club International District 308 B2 (Malaysia) to offer innovative, creative and intellectual property talks, as well as seminars and facilities to promote inventive spirit to the community.

       With this collaboration, MINDS will provide professional manpower, and undertake to assist bodies, institutions and schools with the establishing of chapters and invention clubs with a small starting grant.

       ITEX 2021 ends tomorrow, entry is free. ITEX Online will run until Jan 31, 2022. ITEX is jointly organised by MINDS and C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd.

       For more details, visit www.itex.com.my.