SRBJ Shines In Japan With Best Idea Innovation Award

JOHOR BAHRU, May 14 (Bernama) -- A delegation from Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ), Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seri Kota Puteri 2, Masai, has made a historic breakthrough by winning the Best Idea Innovation Award at the Japan Youth Summit and International Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Exposure Programme held at Osaka Kyoiku University, Japan.

State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the four-day competition, which began last Monday, saw the participation of 12 international delegations from countries including the United States, China, Canada and Hong Kong.

“This project is an eco-friendly crayon innovation made from used cooking oil and natural dyes, specially developed to support sensory therapy for children with autism through an inclusive and sustainable STEM education approach,” he said in a Facebook post today.

The project, titled “Craytion”, was developed by a team comprising Form Three to Form Five students Farhah Azra Abdul Rahim, Muhammad Darwish Dhani Darmawi and Shreeniithi, under the guidance of teacher C Yogeshwari.

Aznan said what is even more impressive is that “Craytion” not only embodies creativity and technology, but also conveys a strong message on environmental sustainability, inclusive education and community well-being, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 11 and 12.

“This proves that anak Johor are not only capable of creating innovations, but are also able to produce solutions that have a real impact on the global community,” he said.

The success was also made possible through the support of various parties, including the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), the state government and Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ), which contributed RM10,000 for intensive training and preparation for the competition.

The delegation, led by principal Siti Norbayah Jema’at, also visited Kyoto University of Education to gain insights into the STEAM education approach and inquiry-based learning, both of which are key elements of a world-class education system.

“This exposure is able to strengthen the culture of innovation and global thinking among students in line with the state’s human capital development agenda. Congratulations and well done to all SRBJ members, mentors, parents and all parties involved in raising Johor’s name on the world stage,” he said.

Aznan also expressed his gratitude to the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, for the idea and inspiration behind SRBJ, as well as his concern for education in the state.

He also extended his appreciation to Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for his efforts to improve the quality of education in Johor.

“This success is proof that investments in the SRBJ education agenda, STEM and youth talent development are on the right track, producing a generation of Bangsa Johor who are competent, progressive and respected at international level,” he said.

--BERNAMA