KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Researchers from Curtin University Malaysia have achieved significant international recognition, securing two prestigious gold medals at the International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2025). The winning projects, focused on applying artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges, were developed by a team led by Professor Garenth Lim King Hann and advanced through the university’s spin-off company, Ai3D PLT.
The annual ITEX event, held this year at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, serves as a prominent platform for inventors, innovators, and researchers from around the globe to showcase their latest advancements. The 2025 exhibition featured a highly competitive field, with over 900 innovations presented by participants from 15 countries.
Advancing Healthcare Through Artificial Intelligence
A key invention that garnered one of the gold medals is an AI-powered project specifically designed for the rapid and non-invasive screening of cognitive decline. Named AMEND, this innovation represents a significant step forward in the potential for early detection of conditions affecting cognitive function.
Cognitive decline can be an early indicator of various neurological disorders, including dementia. Timely and accurate identification is crucial for effective management and potential intervention strategies. Traditional diagnostic methods can often be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and sometimes invasive, posing barriers to widespread screening, particularly in community or primary care settings.
AMEND addresses these challenges by offering a streamlined, user-friendly approach. The system is engineered to facilitate a simple, potentially 5-minute session, making it highly practical for integration into routine assessments within clinics or care facilities. The non-invasive nature of the screening process enhances patient comfort and accessibility, potentially encouraging broader participation in early detection programs.
The Force Behind the Innovation: Ai3D PLT
The development and refinement of the gold medal-winning AI inventions, including AMEND, were spearheaded by Ai3D PLT. Co-founded by Professor Garenth Lim King Hann, Dr Jonathan Phang Then Sien, and Dr Basil Andy Lease, Ai3D PLT emerged from Curtin University Malaysia with a clear mission: to leverage the power of artificial intelligence and 3D technology to solve pressing issues across diverse sectors.
The company’s focus areas include healthcare, where innovations like AMEND demonstrate the potential for AI to transform diagnostics and patient care; sports, where technology can enhance performance analysis and injury prevention; and energy, where AI and 3D applications can contribute to efficiency and sustainability.
The success at ITEX 2025 underscores Ai3D PLT’s capabilities in translating cutting-edge research into tangible, impactful solutions ready for real-world deployment. The gold medals serve as a strong validation of their technical expertise and the relevance of their work on an international stage.
International Recognition and Future Implications
The recognition received at ITEX 2025, particularly the achievement of two gold medals in a competition featuring innovations from 15 countries, highlights the caliber of research and development being conducted at Curtin University Malaysia and its spin-off, Ai3D PLT. Competing against over 900 entries signifies the exceptional quality and potential impact of their AI inventions.
The success of AMEND, in particular, points towards a future where AI technology can play a more integral role in public health screening initiatives. Its potential for early detection of cognitive decline could have far-reaching benefits, enabling earlier interventions that may improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by such conditions.
The achievement also strengthens Malaysia’s position as a hub for technological innovation, showcasing the country’s capacity to produce globally competitive advancements in critical fields like healthcare technology and artificial intelligence.
Professor Lim and his team’s success at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre during ITEX 2025 is a testament to their dedication and innovative spirit. It not only brings accolades to Curtin University Malaysia but also demonstrates the practical potential of AI and 3D technology to create solutions that address significant societal challenges, particularly in the vital healthcare sector.
