5 September 2016 (Monday) – The Forest Research Institute Malaysia’s (FRIM) Engineered Palm Wood Veneer (E-PaWV) Project team took home two awards from the International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN2016) held in Toronto on 27 August.

The iCAN awards and certificates.

The innovation developed the team, ‘E-PaWV for Seating Component’ clinched the iCAN Gold Award as well as the iCAN Best Invention of Asia Award. It was one of the 211 entries to this competition from 36 countries.

FRIM Research Officer Yanti Abd Kadir received the awards on behalf of the E-PaWV team at the presentation ceremony. Also present was Yusuf Shahrom, the Managing Director of Sasabina Recreation & Industries has signed an option agreement with FRIM to commercialise E-PaWV products.

McFarthing (tengah) McFarthing (middle) presenting the iCAN Gold Award to Yanti (left) and Shahrom.

Asia Invention Association (AIA) President Dr Soung-Mo Hong, accompanied by Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc. (IIC) President Bob Huybrechts, presented the iCAN

From left; Hong, Yanti, Shahrom and Huybrechts posing with a Malaysian flag during the award presentation ceremony.

Best Invention of Asia Award to Yanti and Sharom while Xpansus Group Ltd Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike McFarthing, also the Vice President of the IIC, presented the iCAN Gold Award.

The E-PaWV Project is led by FRIM Furniture Design Unit Head Dr Abdul Hamid Saleh and also comprises the Research Planning Division Director Dato’ Dr Marzalina Mansor and Research Officer Khairul Masseat.