Northern Sarawak students shine at STEM Challenge Finale, showcasing the future of innovation

Miri, Sarawak – 4 November 2024 – The grand finale of the STEM Challenge Northern Sarawak brought a surge of youthful innovation and creativity to Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri as over 300 students from secondary and primary schools across Northern Sarawak gathered to present their innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) projects.

The two-day event, jointly organised by Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch, with support from Sarawak’s Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Chumbaka Miri, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri, Planetarium Sultan Iskandar (PSI), The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) Student Chapter, and IEEE Industrial Application Society (IAS) Student Chapter, offered a dynamic platform for students to push boundaries in STEM.

At the heart of the event was the STEM Playground, a vibrant arena where participants and attendees explored cutting-edge technologies, witnessed demonstrations, and engaged in hands-on workshops. Competitions included the IEEE Makers, Automation, Robotics & Science (MARS) Challenge, Junior Innovate & Young Innovate Challenge, the highly anticipated IEEE STEM Challenge Science and Tech Tracks, and an Innovative Zone with fun activities for visitors.

Through these challenges, students competed for titles like the Outstanding Inventors Award, Best Pitching Award, and Most Popular Innovators Award, demonstrating their ingenuity by tackling real-world issues and presenting innovative solutions.

Professor Garenth Lim, IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch Advisor, described the event as a powerful community effort to cultivate a STEM-oriented mindset among youth. “The STEM Playground brings together young innovators, educators, and industry leaders, inspiring students to see STEM not just as subjects but as tools to address real-life challenges. Events like these underscore the importance of a collaborative approach to education and problem-solving,” he said.

In the Science Track, Team Gummy Bears from SMK Chung Hua Miri emerged victorious,  followed by The Inventor Team from SMK Lutong, Solution Seekers Team from SMK Luar Bandar Miri, Team Ligoss Army from SMK Limbang, and Team Invictus from SMK Pujut in second to fifth place.

Dania Adriana, representing Team Gummy Bears, reflected on their journey, “Winning has been incredibly rewarding; every stage, from brainstorming to execution, pushed us to discover the power of perseverance and teamwork. This experience has not only fuelled our passion for STEM but also taught us that innovation thrives on collaboration.”

In the Tech Track, Team Sparks Innovation from SMK Bintulu took the top prize with a project focused on developing digital solutions for local issues, followed by the Sprout Shield Team from SMK Chung Hua Miri, The Inventors Team from SMK Lutong, Haylakayla Team from Knewton International School, and The Invictus Team from SMK Pujut.

Team Sparks member Jason Tang expressed their excitement for the upcoming national championship, saying, “This win is just the beginning. We are eager to bring our project to the next level and showcase the incredible ideas coming out of Northern Sarawak.”

Alyaa Maisarah, Head of Community Outreach for the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch, highlighted the impact of such events on youth development. “This competition goes beyond learning; it is about creating connections, building confidence, and encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to dive into STEM with enthusiasm,” she remarked. She added that the STEM Playground is a significant stride towards embedding STEM in Malaysia’s education landscape, ultimately paving the way for a sustainable future.

Brian Huong of Chumbaka Miri echoed this sentiment, noting that the vibrant atmosphere of the STEM Playground, enriched by partnerships with organisations like TEGAS, Chumbaka Miri, and Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, captivated students and adults alike. “The entire venue was buzzing with excitement. Interactive demos, hands-on workshops, and the pure energy of curious young minds made this event truly inspiring. It is uplifting to see students passionately using technology to solve real-world issues,” he shared.

This year’s STEM Challenge Northern Sarawak Finale marked an important step in empowering future generations, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation, and inspiring students to envision STEM as a lifelong passion. As Curtin Malaysia and its partners continue to champion STEM education, Northern Sarawak is poised to cultivate a new generation of innovators ready to tackle global challenges.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

(Standing 4th right) Razak Rambili, Regional Manager of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri and Prof Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Science, pose with winning teams