KOTA KINABALU: A primary school near the foothills of Mount Kinabalu bagged four prestigious awards at the recent International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF) 2024 held in Bali, Indonesia.
The student-teacher team from SK Timbua in Ranau district, some 140km from here, won the gold medal in the Mathematics Elementary School category as well as a Special Award from the Indonesia Young Scientist Association.
The SK Timbua team proudly holding up the Malaysian and Sabah flags after their triumph. Photo: Indonesia Young Scientist Association
It also took home the Malaysia Innovation Invention And Creativity Association (MIICA) Best Innovation Award and the Honorary Best Judge Award for an innovation called the Madox Project.
The team, which called itself Sunduan or "spirit" in the Kadazandusun language, comprised teachers Hallsen Justin, Jaidah Wasili@Mion and Edzlyn Laduni, with pupils Ahza Aqil Farzier, Nur Zahrah Amirah Abdul Latiff and Muhammad Khairul Rayyan Ahmad Khusairi.
Organised by the Indonesia Young Scientist Association (IYSA) at the Bali Creative Centre in Denpasar from Nov 5–10, the fair saw the participation of 28 countries including Russia, Vietnam, Iran, China, Mexico and Nigeria.
Madox, which stands for "Mathematics Digital Games based on Roblox", is an innovative mathematics-focused initiative.
Hallsen said it engages students with interactive digital challenges aimed at enhancing problem-solving and higher-order thinking Skills.
By leveraging the gaming platform Roblox, the project teaches foundational math concepts and integrates AI, including ChatGPT, to provide real-time guidance, feedback and personalised support to students, he added.
Madox incorporates shapes and geometry inspired by Bornean cultural motifs, allowing students to create designs based on local patterns, he said.
"This project captures the spirit of excellence in education.
“Through the integration of AI, mathematics, and Bornean culture, our students have learned not only to solve maths problems but also to use technology to shape their future and honour their heritage," said Hallsen, who also received the Honorary Best Judge Award and is an Edufluencer 3.0 with the Education Ministry.
SK Timbua Headmaster Rusdi Tamit was proud of the students and pupils who made the Madox Project a success.
“These students, from rural Ranau, have proven that with the right tools and support, they can excel in technology and mathematics.
“I also want to thank Deputy Chief Minister II and Kundasang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, teachers, parents and Barizah Kahar of the Ranau district Education office for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice in supporting our students.
“Their dedication has been crucial in making this achievement possible,” he said.
Dr Joachim, who is also the state Local Government and Housing Minister, congratulated the team and school on their remarkable achievement.
“We are proud of the outstanding accomplishments of the SK Timbua students and teachers. I hope they will continue to achieve success in the future,” he said.
