UKM Secures Silver at Malaysia’s National Intellectual Property Awards for Management Excellence

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has achieved a significant milestone by winning the silver medal in the Best Intellectual Property Management category at the National Intellectual Property Awards (AHIN) 2026. The awards ceremony, organized by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), took place in Kuala Lumpur and recognized leading organizations for their excellence in intellectual property (IP) management.

UKM distinguished itself as the only higher education institution to be named a finalist in the Best Intellectual Property Management category. The gold medal in this category was awarded to Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), while Monsta Sdn Bhd received the bronze medal.

Professor Dr. Sawal Hamid Md Ali, Director of the Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer UKM (INOVASI-UKM), commented on the achievement, stating that the recognition reflects the university’s structured approach to managing its innovation ecosystem and its ability to penetrate industry markets.

"The evaluation covered the entire innovation management ecosystem, from intellectual property registration to value enhancement and scaling towards commercialisation," Prof Dr. Sawal Hamid Md Ali said in a statement.

The assessment criteria for the award included the institution’s systematic management of IP registration, the strengthening of research outputs through capacity-building programmes, and the successful translation of innovations into marketable products or technologies.

In addition to the institutional recognition, UKM’s orthopaedic specialist, Prof Dr. Mohd Yazid Bajuri, was honored with a bronze medal in the Innovative Hero Award (Patent category) for his work on the MyB Prosthetic Limb.

Prof Dr. Mohd Yazid Bajuri explained that the MyB Prosthetic Limb is an innovation in the field of prosthetics and orthotics, specifically designed for individuals with below-knee amputations. The development was carried out through the start-up company MyB Innovation Sdn Bhd.

"The prosthetic is equipped with ankle joint movement, allowing more flexible and natural motion. This makes it easier for users to perform floor activities such as prayers, yoga, and other daily routines," he said.

The National Intellectual Property Awards (AHIN) 2026 event was officiated by Malaysia’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.