Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has once again demonstrated its excellence on the international stage by securing notable achievements at the INNOZILLA Competition 2024, organised by the Centre for Innovation and Consultation, Universiti Sains Malaysia, on 6–7 November 2024. This prestigious event featured participants from three countries—Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore—and was attended by leading industry players from Malaysia and Japan. UPI sent three teams to compete in different categories, all of which succeeded in earning bronze medals.
In the Responsible Industry and Partnership category, another UPI team led by Nurhidayatulloh, S.Pd., M.T., Dian Rinjani, M.Ds., and Dr Rendi Restiana Sukardi, M.Pd., presented an innovative project titled Design of Digital Branding on UMKM Products in West Java Indonesia. This initiative features modern and appealing packaging for Indonesia’s traditional snack, rambut nenek. The project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the product but also aims to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in West Java by boosting their market competitiveness.
In the Energy and Environmental Protection category, a team comprising Dr Dina Siti Logayah, M.Pd., Prof. Dr Mamat Ruhimat, M.Pd., Dr Rendi Restiana Sukardi, M.Pd., and undergraduate student Fantria Adhiatama (from the Social Studies Education programme) introduced an innovative smartwatch called Disasction. This smartwatch is designed to detect earthquakes, offering a practical technological solution for disaster mitigation. The team’s innovation is expected to provide a valuable tool for enhancing public safety and reducing disaster risks.
Meanwhile, in the Education and Enhancing Communities category, the team led by Dr Dede Trie Kurniawan, M.Pd. and Sri Maryanti, M.Pd., a PhD candidate in Science Education and a lecturer in Biology Education at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, developed kumatalibi.com. This educational portal integrates various platforms to support independent learning among students, offering an interactive, flexible, and effective learning experience.
These accomplishments were made possible through the collaborative efforts of lecturers from various study programmes at UPI. Dr Dede Trie Kurniawan, M.Pd. and Dr Rendi Restiana Sukardi, M.Pd. represent Primary School Teacher Education Study Program of Cibiru Campus, Nurhidayatulloh, S.Pd., M.T. and Dian Rinjani, M.Ds. are from Multimedia Education of Cibiru Campus, while Dr Dina Siti Logayah, M.Pd. and Prof. Dr Mamat Ruhimat, M.Pd. hail from Social Studies Education at Faculty of Social Science Education. This strong synergy between lecturers and students exemplifies UPI’s commitment to fostering innovation and addressing global challenges. In a separate meeting, Dr. Rendi Restiana Sukardi, M.Pd., engaged in discussions with Dr. Nor Asniza Ishak, Head of the Biology Education Programme at the School of Educational Studies, as well as Prof. Ir. Dr. Srimala Sreekantan and Dr. Muaz Mohd. Zaini Makhtar, Director and Deputy Director of the Centre for Innovation and Consultation, Universiti Sains Malaysia, to explore opportunities for further collaboration. Notably, the School of Educational Studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia already maintains an established partnership with the Cibiru Campus of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.
UPI’s achievements at the INNOZILLA Competition 2024 not only elevate its reputation on an international scale but also highlight the potential of academic and student collaboration in delivering impactful solutions for the wider community.