Malaysian Young Researcher Wins Major Award In Taiwan

KANGAR (Perlis, Malaysia), Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Nabilah Yahya, a Malaysian young researcher from the Malaysia University of Perlis (UniMAP) won the Asia Invention Association's (AIA) major award at the 2012 international young researchers exhibition (IYIE) in Tainan, Taiwan. The Electrical System Studies student's research led to the invention of the Magnetic Pitched Vertical Axis Wind Turbine for Low Wind Speed Area, a product that can generate electricity using wind turbines even in low wind speeds. According to a statement by UniMAP on Monday, the product by the 22-year-old Nabilah, was also capable of storing electrical energy for use in an emergency. Nabilah when contacted in Taiwan today, expressed satisfaction with the success because the challenge she had faced from other young researchers was stiff. "More than 1,000 entries were received in the early rounds and I did not set any target but only hoped to enter the final round where 300 best products will be chosen," she said. Nabilah was among 24 young Malaysian researchers who participated in the 2012 IYIE, held at the Far East University in Tainan beginning Feb 10. Also participating in the competition, are young researchers from Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan. According to the head of delegation, Mohd Mustafa Abdullah Al-Bakri, 2012 IYIE was an early exposure to young researchers to encourage more students interested in science subjects, to start research work at school level. He said UniMAP, which is also the Chapter of the Malaysia Inventions and Design Association (MINDS), is responsible for exposing students with science, technology and research through collaborative programs between UniMAP and boarding schools. "In the first entry this year, a delegation succeeded in doing Malaysia proud by winning 7 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze medal as well as several major prizes," he said. -- BERNAMA