KUCHING: Sentinels from SMK Bintulu, has been crowned the state champion of the Shell NXplorers Sarawak competition.
This STEM-focused initiative encourages students to collaborate in designing innovative solutions for real-world issues related to the food-water-energy nexus.
The first runner-up in this state challenge was Cassano from SMK Baru Bintulu.
Both these teams will represent Sarawak at the national Shell NXplorers Malaysia challenge, which will take place later this year.
“It’s incredibly inspiring to witness the enthusiasm these students bring to creativity and developing solutions for a brighter future,” said Choong Yen Li, General Manager of Sarawak Gas, Shell Malaysia Upstream.
The winning invention, DespAir was by Anselm Wong Jing Ern, Allyson Yot Linton and Jaynerson Joelee, members of Sentinels.
DespAir is an affordable, energy-efficient solution to the air pollution problem. Using advanced ionising technology, it automatically purifies harmful particles, ensuring cleaner air. The user-friendly app provides real-time monitoring of air quality, temperature, and humidity, with built-in alerts to notify users when pollution levels rise.
Combining smart tech, low energy use, and affordability, DespAir empowers individuals to protect their health and environment.
“We are thrilled to be named state champions and would like to express our gratitude to Shell for offering us this incredible opportunity to learn about integrating thinking, problem-solving, and planning,” said Sentinels.
“We are excited to participate in the national challenge and aim to make our state proud.”
Cassano, comprising Angel Alycia Bran, Khairunnisa Airin Syuhaida Agus and Aiden Belayong Jimmy emerged first runner-up with their invention, AFFAL.
This non-profit community app is designed to help Bintulu residents compare grocery prices. It features seven product categories, each broken down into specific items with prices listed from various grocery stores, allowing users to easily find the best deals in their area.
Additionally, the most innovative award was bagged by team Supernova from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan(SMK) Asyakirin.
Their invention, ADDETTO is a facial recognition system that streamlines attendance for students.
Teachers simply upload students’ images into the system, allowing students to scan their faces for automatic attendance recording.
Eight schools competed in Shell NXplorers Sarawak and this year’s participating schools were SMK Singai, SMK Kidurong, SMK Bintulu, SMK Baru Bintulu, SMK Asyakirin, SMK Lutong, SMK Pujut and SMK Riam.
Shell NXplorers Malaysia engaged over 890 secondary school students from 26 schools nationwide.
This year in Sarawak, 84 teams comprising more than 252 students took part in the programme, which also included peer- to-peer sharing to extend knowledge to a wider student community of approximately 900 students across all participating schools in Sarawak.
Shell NXplorers is a global education initiative designed to empower young people to confront the complex challenges facing the world today.
