SFT 2024: AI Recycling App secures victory for Johor students

Team Terralnnovators from SMK Sultan Ismail, Johor, made history as the winners of the sixth edition of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 (SFT). Comprising three 15-year-old students, the team triumphed over four other finalists with their groundbreaking project, Eco Pulse—an AI-driven image recognition app aimed at streamlining recycling efforts.

The program, themed Start with Can, encouraged students aged 13 to 15 to use Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to address local issues innovatively. Supported by Universiti Malaya, this year’s competition saw overwhelming participation, with 115 teams and over 300 students nationwide submitting innovative projects.

Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Malaysia Electronics, Elaine Soh, highlighted the program’s broader mission, saying, “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow isn’t just a STEM competition; it’s a catalyst for innovation. We are impressed by these young minds who are using their STEM skills to tackle real-world challenges. Their dedication aligns with our mission to drive positive change.”

Transformative Prototypes Shine at Grand Finale

The competition culminated in an electrifying finale on December 7 in Kuala Lumpur. Each finalist team presented their STEM prototypes to an enthusiastic audience and a panel of judges. From AI-powered apps to renewable energy solutions, the projects demonstrated ingenuity and potential for real-world impact.

Team Terralnnovators’ Eco Pulse app stole the spotlight with its ability to use AI algorithms to estimate the value and weight of recyclable items. For their innovation, the team won Samsung products worth RM28,000.

Other winners included Team A Miso Soup from Sabah, whose Elephant-Friendly Farm Alarm System earned them the second prize for its potential to protect endangered Borneo Pygmy Elephants. Team Eagle Young Innovators from Kuala Lumpur secured third place with their environmentally-friendly bioethanol solution derived from cassava roots.

Empowering Young Innovators

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition reflects the company’s commitment to fostering Malaysia’s next generation of STEM leaders. Universiti Malaya played a pivotal role in guiding the students, ensuring the program achieved its educational objectives.

Elaine Soh added, “These students represent the future, demonstrating the right mindset to drive the changes we aspire to see in our society today.”

Through innovative projects like Piezoelectric Tiles by Team The Visionaries from Tawau and biodegradable membranes by Team Renew Shield from Sarawak, the competition highlighted the diverse approaches Malaysian youth are taking to address pressing global challenges.

Samsung Malaysia Electronics’ initiative underscores its dedication to nurturing young talent while addressing sustainability and innovation. As part of its broader corporate mission, the program aims to inspire critical thinking and creative problem-solving among students.

For more details on Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow program, visit their official website.