Young innovators lead the way at WOU STEM Competition

The Wawasan Open University (WOU) International STEM Innovation Competition celebrated an unprecedented turnout this year, with 866 teams from both local and international origins vying for the prestigious awards across various categories. The competition, which promotes creativity and innovation in STEM among diverse age groups, saw remarkable entries in its Junior Innovator, Young Innovator, Tertiary Innovator, and Professional Innovator categories. This year’s competition concluded with an exciting final round held both virtually and at WOU’s main campus, where distinguished judges from the industry, academia, the Technological Association Malaysia (TAM), and the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) evaluated the groundbreaking projects.

In the Junior Innovator category, 12-year-old Jared Tan Jun Hao from SJK (C) Sin Ya, Penang, emerged as a standout winner among 340 teams with his ingenious project, Terra Guard. Using microbuilt-in accelerometer functions and temperature sensors, Jared developed a solar-powered IoT disaster alert system aimed at providing early warnings for landslides and forest fires. His innovation impressed the judges and earned him the Diamond Award.

The Platinum Award in the same category went to a team from SJK (C) Kuen Cheng 1, Kuala Lumpur. Team members Sharifah Sara Leandra binti Syed Mohamed Sani, Chan Phui Nee, Kuok Xian Yi, and Chan Phui Le created a Moon Phase Education Model, an interactive tool designed to enhance the study of moon phases, which captivated the judges with its educational value and creativity.

Young Innovators Shine Bright

The Young Innovator category saw fierce competition, with the Diamond Award going to a team from SMK Damansara Jaya, Selangor. The team, comprising Teoh Zhi Syuen, Gabriel Tai Herng, Kok Wen Zheng, Sek How Zhe, and Cheong Hye Yan, impressed with their AI-powered innovation, AI Trashzilla. This project utilizes Raspberry Pi and EV3 Mindstorm Bluetooth connectivity to detect waste, addressing the pressing issue of littering in public spaces such as night markets and tourist attractions.

The Platinum Award in this category was awarded to a team from SMK Abdullah Munshi, Penang, for their Washroom Occupancy Observer. Form 3 students Muhammad Syawal Mukhriz Bin Mohd Rizal, Ahmad Adam Iman Bin Ahmad Akhyar, and Raffael Damien Merza Bin Zulkifli designed this device to prevent truancy by monitoring washroom occupancy and alerting school authorities when misuse occurs.

In the Tertiary Innovator category, a project titled Biodegradable and Sustainable Seedlings Cultivation from SMJK Heng Ee, Penang, clinched the Diamond Award. The team of Esther Chan Yin Hei, Saw Zhen Wei, Joseph Ho Kah Hong, Cindy Kang, and Tan Jie Hui developed a bioplastic from eggshells, demonstrating its potential in replacing non-biodegradable seedling bags. Another team from the same school won the Platinum Award for their Atlantis House project, which proposed a floating sea house concept to counter rising sea levels.

Innovative Solutions for Modern Challenges

Ezrul Helmi Bin Muhamad Razali, a 38-year-old professional innovator from SMK Padang Terap, Kedah, took home the Diamond Award in the Professional Innovator category. His Multifunctional Card (MFC) project showcased innovative flash cards that significantly enhanced Form Four students’ understanding of Force and Motion in Physics.

The WOU International STEM Innovation Competition continues to be a beacon of ingenuity, encouraging young minds and professionals to push the boundaries of STEM innovation. With 340 Junior Innovator teams, 433 Young Innovator teams, 70 Tertiary Innovator teams, and 23 Professional Innovator teams participating, this year’s event marked a new milestone in the competition’s history, underscoring the growing interest and talent in STEM fields.