Team Sentinels alongside Jonathan Jolly (first from right), Choong Yen Li (second from right) and Shell NXplorers programme head Ganes Kandiah (first from left).
IN an era where science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) stand as a cornerstone in shaping future growth, there is a growing concern over the declining interest in these critical fields.
Recognising the paramount importance of STEM in propelling innovation and driving national progress, Shell Malaysia established the Shell NXplorers programme to cultivate and nurture STEM in local youth.
The programme is a global education initiative that empowers youth to become agents of change by providing them with the tools, methodologies and skills needed to tackle real-world problems through collaboration, innovation and interdisciplinary approaches.
Shell NXplorers calls on secondary school students from all over the country to develop innovative solutions to address complex challenges faced by the world today, within the nexus of food-water-energy.
Three regional competitions are held in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, with the winning teams from each region then competing in the national challenge.
This year’s Sarawak state winners were Team Sentinels from SMK Bintulu, with Team Girl Code from SMK Lutong in Miri coming in as first runner-up.
Both schools will represent Sarawak and compete in the national challenge which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 8.
Team Sentinels presenting the Mr. Mister device to the judges.
Team Sentinels
Team Sentinels, comprising Jaynerson Joelee, Anselm Wong Jing Ern and Allyson Yot Linton, were named as the Shell NXplorers grand champions for their invention, Mr. Mister.
Despite being named after the famous 80s rock band, the Mr. Mister device is actually a versatile mist sprayer machine, designed for portability and compatibility with various fan models.
This innovative solution incorporates technology inclusive temperature and humidity control sensors, enabling it to detect and respond to varying environmental conditions and temperature fluctuations.
“Despite its small scale, our innovation addresses a specific problem,” said Team Sentinels.
“The idea for our innovation originated from a discussion about combating the intense heat wave in Malaysia. While discussing potential solutions, we noticed a diffuser emitting mist right across our table.
“Our overarching mission is to enhance comfort and the well-being of people in hot climates, and we believe that our innovation has the potential to help the community by providing an effective means of cooling indoor spaces.”
They add that the device is also linked to a mobile application, empowering users to have precise control over the cooling thresholds implemented by the mist sprayer. Via the app, users can easily customise and adjust the misting levels to suit their specific needs.
Team Sentinels shared that they were initially surprised to win the regional challenge, as the Mr. Mister device encountered unexpected issues on the day of the competition.
“In the build-up to the competition, we encountered challenges when trying to control the ultrasonic piezo buzzer due to excessive current,” they said.
“We brainstormed and conducted lots of research and were able to come up with a solution, but when setting up the device at the competition venue, the piezo buzzers and their driver could not function properly.
“We did not have the tools to fix the device there and then. Despite being held back by such an inconvenience, we powered through and were able to show the judges a video of the working model and they understood our situation.”
They also said that they were able to hone their project management, problem solving and innovative thinking skills by taking part in the competition, as well as enhance their STEM skills with hands-on exposure of creating and designing their own device.
“Our future plans include incorporating 3D printing to create a custom water holder for Mr. Mister to simplify the refilling process. Other than that, we plan to include AI integration with 3D mapping, so that the device will be able to calculate the most ideal and effective location for it to be placed in a room,” said Team Sentinels.
Team Girl Code alongside Jonathan (first from left), Choong (second from left) and Ganes (first from right) at the Shell NXplorers Sarawak challenge.
Team Girl Code
First runner-up Team Girl Code, comprising Nirelly Efua Nigel, Violete Sim and Ashley Saran Francis, also impressed the judges with their Compost Manager project.
Compost Manager is an e-composting system designed to meticulously monitor both the conditions and progress of compost heaps, by providing real-time data on essential factors such as temperature, humidity and aeration.
The device goes beyond just being a monitoring tool as it also serves as a resource for beginners to venture into composting.
It’s accompanying application – Compost-Mate – simplifies the monitoring process by offering valuable information and guidance tailored for novices, empowering them to embark on their composting journey confidently.
“Our innovation originated from our families’ challenges trying their luck at home composting,” said Team Girl Code.
“Witnessing the inefficiency and difficulty they experienced, we aimed to create an affordable solution that revolutionises the way you manage your compost pile.
“It will greatly benefit the community by making composting more accessible and efficient, by reducing waste, promoting sustainable practices and contributing to a healthier environment.”
They add that the Shell NXplorers competition helped them to develop a new way of thinking in tackling real-world problems to benefit the environment and local communities.
“This competition provides a platform where creativity and problem-solving skills are honed. By encouraging critical thinking, teamwork and practical application of knowledge, it equips us with the skills and confidence to make meaningful contributions in our communities.
“This fresh perspective has expanded our problem-solving abilities, creativity and adaptability, which will not only help us excel academically but also prepare us for the challenges of the professional world.”
Shell NXplorers Malaysia
Choong Yen Li, the General Manager of Sarawak Gas, Shell Malaysia Upstream said that she was impressed by the innovative solutions developed by all of the participating students.
“This is a testament that fostering STEM education at an early stage creates an impact in developing leaders of tomorrow, who will strive to contribute towards a sustainable future,” she said.
“This is why we at Shell are investing in our youths and equipping them with the right skills and tools, while developing future innovators and engineers via Shell NXplorers Malaysia.”
Eight schools competed in this year’s Shell NXplorers Sarawak challenge, such as SMK Asyakirin, SMK Baru Bintulu, SMK Bintulu, SMK Kidurong, SMK Lutong, SMK Pujut, SMK Riam and SMK Singai.
With the support of the Education Ministry, Shell NXplorers Malaysia worked with over 1000 secondary school students from 25 schools across Malaysia. These students were given the opportunity to gain hands-on STEM learning, with a focus on technology.
In Sarawak, 600 students were selected, while peer-to-peer coaching was also implemented to share the knowledge with the larger student community of about 12,000 students from all participating schools in Sarawak.
To learn more about Shell NXplorers, click here.
