SMK Pujut takes top spot in Cryptocurrency Competition at Empowering Youth Expo Miri 2025

Miri, Sarawak – 20 April 2025 – Young financial wizards from SMK Pujut Team A outsmarted the competition to claim victory in the Cryptocurrency Competition hosted by Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) during the recent Empowering Youth Expo Miri 2025 at the Miri Indoor Stadium.

Designed to test financial know-how and trading skills in the fast-paced world of digital currency, the competition saw enthusiastic participation from secondary and vocational school students across Miri. SMK Pujut Team C clinched second place, while Miri Vocational College secured third, with the top three teams walking away with cash prizes of RM500, RM300, and RM200 respectively.

Organising chairman and Curtin Malaysia Accounting and Finance lecturer Alpha Ngadan, who presented the prizes, described the competition as a “dynamic platform to build financial literacy and critical thinking through real-world simulation.”

“This initiative goes beyond textbooks. It gives students a taste of what it means to navigate modern financial systems like cryptocurrency markets,” Alpha said. “Curtin Malaysia is proud to support PERANTIS in creating meaningful learning experiences that empower youth to take charge of their financial futures.”

The Empowering Youth Expo Miri 2025 was a collaborative initiative by the Persatuan Intelektual Pribumi Sarawak (PERANTIS), Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), Sarawak Regional Skills Development Department (JPK Sarawak), and the P219 Miri Parliament People Service Centre.

Officiating the event was Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Public Works and Member of Parliament for Kapit, who toured the competition area and engaged with the participants. He was accompanied by Miri Member of Parliament Chiew Choon Man, who lauded the expo’s hands-on approach to youth development.

The cryptocurrency challenge was just one highlight of the expo’s broader mission to equip young Sarawakians with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected economy.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit its website at curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Alpha (standing, right) and other Curtin organisers with the winning team from SMK Pujut

A Curtin Malaysia student (in blue shirt) explains the trading competition to Dato Sri Alexander (third from right), Chiew (green batik shirt), and other guests