93 join Borneo International Innovation and Invention Competition in Bintulu

BINTULU (Oct 11): A total of 93 participants from various educational institutions took part in the Borneo International Innovation and Invention Competition (BIIIC) 2.0 here yesterday.

They were from nine primary schools, 17 secondary schools, one primary school for special education, 59 vocational colleges, six tertiary institutions, and one international institute from Indonesia.

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who officiated at the closing ceremony, said it is vital to ensure the younger generation understand the importance of a culture of innovation and creativity.

“This coincides with the concept of Malaysia Madani where every Malaysian has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to creativity.

“Thus, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation needs to be given emphasis in ensuring that each individual’s potential is at an optimal level to contribute to the development of the country,” he said.

Dr Annuar said all the participants should be proud of successfully challenging their own abilities.

“To participate in a competition like this, it requires creativity and high commitment in trying to produce or invent something new.

“This is also one of the platforms in producing first-class thinking among Malaysians,” he said.

Dr Annuar called the competition very relevant to the needs of the country and Sarawak, in the effort to achieve developed status by 2030.

The competition was divided into technology, non-technology, teaching and learning, as well as STEM categories.

For the technology category, RPR Kidurong Phase 1 from Kolej Vokasional Bintulu (KVB) won for its Smart Distribution Board 2.0; Areca from KPJ Healthcare University was second for Antifungal Cream from Betel Nut; while third place went to the Sustainable Materials-Tarumt from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology for Sustainable Development of Palm Kernel Shell and Coconut Shell for Concrete Wall Panels.

In the non-technology category, Bloom and Bliss from KVB won for the Bloom and Bliss Muscle Pain Body Oil; MEW from Kolej Vokasional Matang was second with De’ Lamo Krim Badan Teh Hijau; and KV Kuber 2 from Kolej Vokasional Kuala Berang came in third for a practical and creative storage solution for sewing tools.

Ezymaker from KVB claimed the top spot in the teaching and learning category for the Magnetic Block Circuits; KVB’s Solar Synergy secured second place for an innovative solar learning kit; and third place went to SetQuanta from Kolej Vokasional Miri for the comprehensive educational tool SetQuanta.

In the STEM category, SMK Abdul Rahman Talib’s Smart Safety Window took top spot for the I-Smart Power Window Safety System; Seputra from SK Bandar Seri Putra earned second place for Biodegradable Food Packaging Film; and Planet Protectors from SK Air Putih was third for the environmental conservation project Planet Protectors.

KVB first held BIIIC in 2018 to examine and recognise all innovations produced by students and lecturers.