Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recently collaborated with Terengganu Entrepreneur Development Foundation (YPUT) to organize the Market Innovation Showcase (MIS), bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and industry representatives to explore opportunities for turning innovations into marketable products
Held from 10 to 12 September at Terengganu Trade Centre, Kuala Terengganu, under the theme “Innovation for All”, the showcase featured research products, university start-ups, student innovations and products from YPUT-supported entrepreneurs. It also included sharing sessions, pocket talks, product demonstrations, competitions and community activities designed to encourage engagement across research, business and industry.
By bringing these groups together, MIS 2026 provided a platform for participants to explore how research and innovation could be developed into commercial opportunities. The showcase also highlighted the importance of understanding market needs, communicating product value and connecting with potential customers and business partners.
Professor Dr. Suriyani Muhamad, UMT Vice-Chancellor, said that university research should progress beyond laboratories and academic publications.
“The research must generate products, technologies, and solutions that benefit industry and society.”
MIS 2026 provided an avenue for researchers and students to introduce their innovations while engaging with entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders. Such interactions can help innovators gain exposure to market expectations, identify potential collaborators and consider practical pathways towards commercialisation.
For UMT’s student entrepreneurs and research-based start-ups, the showcase also offered opportunities to learn from established businesses and explore connections beyond the university. Meanwhile, the participation of local entrepreneurs provided a broader view of the challenges and opportunities involved in developing and marketing products.
The initiative reflects an important aspect of commercialisation: developing a promising product is only one step towards bringing an innovation to market. Entrepreneurs must also be able to promote their products effectively, build consumer confidence and adapt to changing purchasing behaviours.
Through its collaboration with YPUT and industry partners, UMT aims to strengthen the links between research, entrepreneurship and market development. MIS 2026 reflects this effort by providing a platform for innovations and businesses to gain exposure, build connections and explore opportunities to bring their products closer to consumers.
A key highlight of MIS 2026 was the launch of Studio TikTok Shop Live @ Hab Digital Niaga Terengganu, an initiative aimed at helping local entrepreneurs strengthen their participation in digital commerce. The studio is intended to support content creation and live selling, giving businesses additional ways to showcase their products, interact with consumers and explore wider markets.
Nur Azre Abdul Aziz, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at TikTok Shop Malaysia, said content-driven commerce and live selling are important.
“They enable entrepreneurs to connect with consumers through interactive product presentations,” she said.
She also emphasised the importance of knowledge, practical skills, guidance and suitable facilities in supporting participation in the digital economy.
by Mohd Hanif Abdullah
Innovation & Commercialization Centre