Azhad proudly holding up his prize. — LEONG WAI YEE/The Star
AN innovation aimed at fixing potholes in Seri Kembangan won first place at the Selangor Techsphere Innovation Competition (STIC 2025).
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam’s civil engineering student Mohammad Azhad Ukail Mat Nasir impressed judges with his semi-rigid repair (SRR) of potholes using a durable and fast-setting geopolymer.
He said inspiration came from a crumbling road near his home that needed frequent repair after heavy rain or a few months of wear and tear.
He wanted to a permanent solution so he came up with the SRR which hardens within 20 minutes, enabling vehicles to use the road without delay.
“It prevents long closures and reduces inconvenience to motorists.”
He said the SRR method was stronger, able to withstand rainwater as well as heavy vehicle use, which caused potholes.
According to Azhad, tests had showed that the method could last up to 15 years compared to the one to two years via conventional road patching.
He highlighted that geopolymer was also more environmentally friendly as it was an industrial by-product, thus helping to reduce waste.
He said the method could also lower long-term costs.
“Although it may be slightly more expensive at first, it only needs to be applied once every decade or so.
“This means fewer repairs, fewer work hours and less traffic management.”
Azhad hoped his innovation will one day be used by local councils and road contractors, especially in areas where potholes keep reappearing.
“If SRR can help reduce repeated repairs and make roads safer, then I know this idea has served its purpose,” he added.
The competition was part of the Selangor Techsphere Summit (STS25), held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
It received 75 entries but only 28 made the final cut.
Selangor State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin officiated the prize-giving ceremony.
He said the summit fostered dynamic ideas and discussion.
“Our aspiration is for the summit to not just showcase technological excellence, but also be a catalyst for talent development, digital entrepreneurship, and sustainable industry reform,” said Ahmad Fadzli.
The annual STS by the state government brings together universities, industry players and technology agencies to enhance the innovation ecosystem.
It features pitching sessions where students and researchers present new products, prototypes and ideas in smart manufacturing and digital systems, among others.
Meanwhile, its exhibition booths allowed visitors, industry experts and investors to test concepts and explore commercial potential.
