PETRA X platform translates STEM to real innovation

KUCHING, 3 Oct: PETRA X Young Innovator Challenge 2026 (PETRA X) is a platform to translate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning in schools into the production of real-life projects and solutions.

The Political Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Irwan Zulkarnain Muhammad Hasbie, said PETRA X not only brings together the talents and potential of students, but also gives them space to identify problems, develop ideas, come up with solutions and build confidence and teamwork skills.

He said the programme is in line with efforts to ensure STEM is not limited to theory, but translated into real applications, innovations and solutions that benefit society.

"I've seen all the projects presented and I'm quite impressed with the creativity of the students.

"What we want is for STEM to move from theory to application, from idea to innovation and from innovation to real solutions", he said.

He said this while representing Fadillah at the closing ceremony and presentation of PETRA X Young Innovators Challenge 2026 Awards here, today.

Irwan said that participation in the program itself was a success for students because they dared to try, besides gaining experience of generating ideas into applications that could be applied in everyday life.

He said that PETRA X's promotion should not stop in 2026, instead it should be continued as an annual platform and expanded to allow more schools and students to join it.

"This programme gives the children of Petra Jaya an opportunity to continue learning, creating and innovating, thereby developing their potential as future leaders", he said.

PETRA X 2026 involves 14 schools in Kuching, including Petra Jaya High School, Tunku Abdul Rahman High School, Semerah Padi High School, Datu Pattu Abang Haji Abdillah College, St Teresa High School and Tun Abdul Zaidi High School.

Following the participants are Demak Baru High School, Matang Jaya High School, Sakura High School, Matang Lower High School, Sri Matang High School, Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab (SHOAW) Religious High School, Kuching Science High School and Matang Vocational College.

Datu Patinghi Abang Haji Abdillah College emerged champion through the Aquasense Intelligent Watering System project, while St Teresa's Primary School came in second and New Demak Primary School came in third.