Design for Plastics Circularity Challenge 2024
The Design for Plastics Circularity Challenge 2024 was co-chair by our team leader Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shaiful Sajab and assisted as technical team member by Dr. Wan Nazihah Liyana. The event was a collaborative effort involving the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA), Dow, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Originating in Shanghai, China, and initiated by Dow, the Design for Circularity Challenge aims to encourage innovative thinking among university students in promoting sustainability across the plastics value chain—from product design to waste management systems.
The challenge officially launched on Friday, 14 June 2024, at Dewan Serbaguna Akademia Siber Teknopolis (AST), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB), UKM. The launch event brought together students, academics, and industry experts to explore how design can drive a circular future. It provided an excellent platform for aspiring innovators to understand the scope and importance of circularity in plastics.
Following the launch, over 50 innovation ideas were submitted by student teams nationwide. These proposals covered a wide range of concepts, including innovative packaging, reuse methods, and advanced plastic waste management technologies. Shortlisted participants were invited to the Innovation Townhall and Mentorship Session, held on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, at the Bangi Avenue Convention Centre. During this session, participants had the opportunity to interact with government and industry representatives, receiving valuable feedback and guidance on developing their ideas further. Mentors from various organizations provided insights into both technical and business perspectives, helping students refine their solutions to meet real-world challenges.
The journey culminated in the Grand Final, held on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, at the Dewan Auditorium, Akademia Siber Teknopolis (AST), UKM. Ten finalist teams were selected to showcase their ideas to the public and a panel of judges comprising experts from academia and industry. The event celebrated creativity, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability. After months of hard work and mentorship, the Champion for Malaysia was officially announced, marking the end of a remarkable journey and the beginning of new opportunities for the winning team.
The Design for Plastics Circularity Challenge 2024 highlighted the power of collaboration between academia and industry in fostering innovation and sustainability. We are deeply grateful to all our partners, mentors, and participants for making this initiative a success. Together, we have taken meaningful steps toward creating a more circular and sustainable future for plastics in Malaysia.