RESEARCH, INNOVATION, COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION (RICE) 2024: EFFECTIVENESS OF INNOVATION EXHIBITIONS AND RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS AMONG COMMERCE DEPARTMENT STUDENTS AT POLITEKNIK KOTA BHARU, 6 NOVEMBER 2024

RiCE 2024, held on 6 November, was an initiative by the Department of Commerce to foster innovation and research among Semester 5, in the Diploma in Business Studies, Diploma in Marketing, and Diploma in Insurance programs. The primary aim was to enhance students’ creative skills and analytical capabilities. The program provided a platform for students to develop innovative products and produce meaningful academic writing, while also cultivating a research culture. Implementation included the evaluation of support systems and program effectiveness throughout its execution. Feedback was gathered from 159 students and 52 staff members who served as supervisors and evaluators. The instruments used were adapted from previous research and implemented using a Likert scale to measure creativity, interpersonal skills, and technical support. The findings revealed that the mean scores for most feedback items were within the high range (3.44 – 3.73), indicating strong satisfaction with the program’s delivery and effectiveness. Overall, the program encouraged intellectual growth and student creativity. The outcomes affirm the potential of RiCE as a strategic platform to cultivate competitive, visionary graduates prepared for future challenges.