By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Aug 27:From Sibu to Guangzhou, Wondaleaf Afresh has propelled Sarawak-made innovation onto the global stage, clinching the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) Best Invention Award 2026 after emerging victorious among more than 3,700 entries from over 30 countries.
The cooling headband, developed by a team led by University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Adjunct Professor Dr John Tang Ing Ching, was named the top invention at the 12th International Exhibition of Inventions (IEI 2026) in Guangzhou, China.
“Afresh was developed over 18 months through more than 100 prototypes using different materials and designs before my team arrived at a final version that was both functional and durable,” he said at a press conference on Aug 26, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).
Tang said the idea stemmed from the need for a more effective way to cool the body in hot weather, particularly during physical activity.
He explained that the head was chosen as the focal point of the cooling system because it consumes about 20 per cent of the body’s energy despite accounting for only around two per cent of total body weight.
Designed for use in hot environments, during physical activities and for topical fever management, Wondaleaf Afresh aims to provide a practical and efficient cooling solution.
Reflecting on the team’s participation in IEI 2026, Tang admitted he initially did not expect Afresh to stand out in an exhibition featuring thousands of inventions from around the world.
However, the encouraging response received when Afresh was showcased as one of Sarawak’s homegrown innovations during the launch of the Sarawak Science Centre on July 29 gave the team the confidence to compete on the international stage.
He credited the achievement to the dedication of the Wondaleaf team, with support from the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) and UTS.
Wondaleaf Afresh is scheduled for its official launch during the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF), which will be held from Sept 3 to 12. — DayakDaily
