Amazing feat: The SK Timbua team proudly holding up the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flag after their triumph. — Photo credit: Indonesia Young Scientist Association
KOTA KINABALU: A primary school near the foothills of Mount Kinabalu has notched four prestigious awards at the recently concluded International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF) 2024 held in Bali, Indonesia.
The pupil-teacher team from SK Timbua in the Ranau district, some 140km from here, won the gold medal after becoming champions in the Mathematics Elementary School category as well as the Special Award from the Indonesia Young Scientist Association (IYSA).
They also took home the Malaysia Innovation, Invention and Creativity Association Best Innovation Award and the Honorary Best Judge Award for their Madox Project.
The team, which called itself “Sunduan”, which means spirit in the Kadazandusun language, comprised teachers Hallsen Justin, Jaidah Wasili @ Mion and Edzlyn Laduni along with pupils Ahza Aqil Farzier, Nur Zahrah Amirah Abdul Latiff and Muhammad Khairul Rayyan Ahmad Khusairi.
Organised by IYSA at the Bali Creative Centre in Denpasar from Nov 5-10, the fair saw participation from 28 countries, including Russia, Vietnam, Iran, China, Mexico and Nigeria.
The Madox Project, which stands for “Mathematics Digital Games based on Roblox”, is an innovative, math-focused initiative.
Hallsen said it engages students with interactive digital challenges aimed at enhancing problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS).
By leveraging the gaming platform Roblox, he said, the project teaches foundational math concepts and integrates AI, including ChatGPT, to provide real-time guidance, feedback and personalised support for students.
Moreover, he added, Madox incorporates shapes and geometry inspired by Bornean cultural motifs, allowing students to create designs based on local patterns.
“This project captures the spirit of excellence in education.
“Through the integration of AI, mathematics and Bornean culture, our pupils have learnt to solve math problems and use technology to shape their future and honour their heritage,” said Hallsen, who also received the Honorary Best Judge Award at ISIF 2024 and is an Edufluencer 3.0 with the Education Ministry.
SK Timbua headmaster Rusdi Tamit was proud of the pupils who made the Madox Project a success.
“These pupils from rural Ranau have proven that with the right tools and support, they can excel in technology and mathematics,” he said.
