By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 29: Two first-year aerospace engineering students from Sarawak have clinched first place at the NAICO Malaysia Net Zero Challenge 2026, marking a historic win for i-CATS in the national competition.
Lai Neng Yaw and Vincent Law Hock Chun, both students at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, i-CATS, secured the top spot in the Net Zero Strategy category during the competition held in conjunction with MyAero Summit 2026 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), Selangor, from June 25 to 27.
According to a press release, the duo impressed judges with their development of the NAICO ESG Aerospace Validator, an innovative software designed to assess and verify Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance within the aerospace sector.
Their innovation aligns with Malaysia’s national agenda towards net-zero aviation, particularly in strengthening sustainability measurement, ESG accountability, and more responsible aerospace industry practices.
The team, which brought home RM5,000 in prize money, was mentored by Dr Nurul Zubaidah Zaki from the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, who guided them throughout the development of their project.
i-CATS said the achievement was particularly significant as both students are still in their first year of study, highlighting their technical potential, creativity and early exposure to industry-relevant learning.
The institution added that the success reflects its commitment to nurturing young Sarawak talent in aerospace, research and innovation, while supporting the state’s broader aspiration to develop a future-ready workforce in advanced technology sectors.
i-CATS congratulated the students and their lecturer for bringing pride to the institution and Sarawak at the national level. — DayakDaily
