ITEX 2010 (21st International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition) concluded on Sunday at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Organised annually by MINDS (Malaysian Invention and Design Society) since 1989, this exhibition gathered inventors, scientists, researchers and allied professionals from the science and technology fraternity.

The exhibition was launched by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

The Minister also witnessed the signings of a MoU between MINDS and Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM) to promote innovation among the people of Malaysia, and between ACIA (Asian Caucus of Invention Association) and the Southern Taiwan University in collaboration with Taiwan Invention Products Promotion Association (TIPPA) at the same ceremony.

Participants of ITEX 2010 included scientists and researchers from local universities, research institutions, corporate sectors, individual inventors as well as participants from overseas such as Russia, Iran, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam as well as from Malaysia.

The scientists showcased more than 650 inventions from over 24 industry categories' products.

The exhibition plays a role in getting inventors to commercialise an invention to be brought to the marketplace.

It also functions as an international platform to promote and enhance the development and utilisation of inventions and designs.

It does not only help in creating opportunities for network building between local and international inventors and scientists worldwide, it also maximises the exposure of award winning products and technologies to a global audience.

In addition to this 21st series of ITEX, a new highlight, Eco-Vention - Green Inventions, was introduced to showcase environmental-friendly inventions, be it from recyclable materials or inventions that contribute less carbon footprints.

More than 50% of these category inventions were showcased at ITEX 2010.

The exhibition served as a platform for inventors to showcase novel ideas and inventions, besides taking part in the Invention and Design Competition to win various prestigious awards for their research works and findings.

All inventions at ITEX were judged by a panel of judges from the academia, science and technology experts, accredited bodies as well as from overseas experts.

(Source: The Star Online)