COMPETITION GUIDELINES

ONLINE PARTICIPATION 

(RECORDED VIRTUAL PRESENTATION)

IIEF 2026 is open to all local and international participants from all categories, regardless of educational background or affiliation. The competition will be conducted in hybrid mode for external participants. Payment of the participation fee (if applicable) must be completed before the registration could be completed, and proof of payment must be uploaded together with the registration form.

All online participants need to upload a softcopy of the project abstract, Power Point presentation slides, and YouTube link of the presentation video in the registration portal.

Prototype(s) or Product of the innovation is required and is advised to be shown in the presentation video (for online participants). 

Font: Times New Roman, Size 12. 150-200 words

ONE paragraph only

Written in either the Malay or the English language and must be free of spelling mistakes

"Insect Repellent Potential of Peppermint Essential Oil."

Andrea Messing

The peppermint plant, also known as Mentha balsamea Wild, is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. One of the popular uses for peppermint—aside from its use as a dietary supplement or health application—is its potential to repel insects. This study focuses on the development of insect repellent using peppermint oil. 25 grams of fresh peppermint was collected, crushed and placed in a glass jar. The jar was then filled with olive oil, and the oil was allowed to steep in a warm location for two days. After two days, the oil was strained using a folded cheesecloth. The extracted oil was gathered and diluted 70% in three separate containers to be transferred into spray bottles. Testing involved spraying the sample into a glass jar with Anopheles juidthae (common mosquitoes) and compared with the effect of a commercial insect repellant. This study challenges the belief that synthetic insect repellents are more effective than all-natural, essential oil options.