Young Innovators Challenge 2024 Uncovers Groundbreaking Ideas from School Students

Multimedia University (MMU) Melaka campus hosted the Young Innovators Challenge (YIC) 2024 – Melaka State Maker Fair on 28 August 2024. This exciting event brought together 48 teams from various secondary schools across Melaka, including one international school, to present their innovative solutions to real-world problems using open-source embedded systems and software.

The fair saw the participation of 144 students, accompanied by their teachers, mentors, and program organizers, filling the hall with creativity, enthusiasm, and a spirit of innovation. Esteemed judges from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), University College Agroscience Malaysia (UCAM), Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia (IPGM), and industry representatives assessed the projects during the Gallery Walk, making the event a day filled with learning, innovation, and inspiration.

The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, where the top teams from Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Yok Bin, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Canossa Convent, and SMK St. Francis were recognized for their outstanding work and exceptional creativity. It was a memorable day that celebrated the talents of young innovators and their ability to solve real-life challenges through technology and teamwork.

Meanwhile, the YIC Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya Maker Fair 2024 was also held on 24 August 2024 at Dewan Tun Canselor, MMU Cyberjaya. This event was jointly organized by Chumbaka and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) MMU Student Branch as co-hosts, along with the generous support of Yayasan Sime Darby, SAM Jeram, Cytron, and Yayasan Universiti Multimedia. A total of 70 teams and 210 students from 29 secondary schools participated in this event.

Participants used open-source microcontrollers and software to develop solutions for real-world problems. Both events, united under the theme “A Person, Change The World,” allowed the participants to present their projects, gain valuable feedback, and explore real-world applications of their innovative ideas. The events were greatly supported by around 20 dedicated volunteer students from the IEEE MMU Student Branch and the Faculty of Engineering (FOE). These volunteers took on various roles, including assisting with workshop facilitation, providing technical support, and ensuring that participants had a positive and productive experience throughout the events.

A separate workshop for 13 teachers was a key component of the YIC. Educators, paired with university mentors and provided with essential learning kits, played a crucial role in guiding their students and enhancing the competition’s overall success. The gold award winners were clinched by Innoventures (Maktab Tentera Diraja), Hozu (ELC International School & Maverick International Secondary School), and Three of A Kind (SMK Seksyen 9). The closing ceremony was graced by FOE Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ooi Chee Pun.