SMK Lake students win BrightSparX with eco-friendly oil-spill solution

KUCHING (Sept 23): Lake Innovators from SMK Lake in Bau emerged as the overall champion of the Premier’s BrightSparX Innovation Award 2026 at the recent Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) BrightSparX 2026 Secondary Finals.

The team’s winning project offers an eco-friendly and sustainable solution to marine oil spills by converting local agricultural waste into high-performance natural sorbents capable of absorbing oil while floating on water.

The reusable sorbents were developed as an alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic clean-up materials, providing a practical, low-cost approach to protecting marine ecosystems and supporting sustainable waste management.

The project also earned the SMK Lake team the ‘Changemaker Award’.

According to the organiser, the secondary finals brought together the Top 15 teams from an earlier pool of 45 that had competed in the secondary school category, out of 100 teams participating across the state.

The finalists presented their innovations to a panel of judges representing academia and industry.

SMK Lanang in Sibu also recorded a strong showing, with Lanang 3 taking second place and the ‘Communicator Award’, while Lanang 1 placed fourth and received the ‘Sparkle Award’.

Lanang 2 was named ‘Fan Favourite’ following a public vote.

STEM Dream Team from SMK Lutong in Miri placed third, while The Clique from SMK Sungai Tapang in Samarahan took fifth place and received the second Sparkle Award.

Another finalist from SMK Marudi in Baram presented a project aimed at reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers and addressing soil degradation.

The project uses Effective Microorganisms (EM) to ferment recycled kitchen organic waste into bio-fertilisers and specialised planting mediums, with the resulting eco-friendly formulations intended to improve plant growth and restore nutrient-depleted soil.

The Top 3 teams received their awards from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the official launch of Sarawak’s SHInE International Conference, which was attended by more than 500 international participants.

In his remarks, Abang Johari regarded Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics (STEM) education and research as a key part of Sarawak’s development, with investments injected in the field aimed at building skills, creativity and technological capabilities among the younger generation.

Meanwhile, SRDC general manager Dr Peter Morin Nissom said the value of BrightSparX extended beyond the final rankings.

“What truly matters – and what will carry Sarawak into a high-tech, sustainable future – is that these students have developed a true research mindset.

“Winning a trophy is a moment, but instilling scientific curiosity, resilience in problem-solving, and a commitment to data-based research is a lifelong transformation.

“Every single student who stepped into this arena leaves as a winner,” he said.

Applications are now open for SRDC BrightSparX 2027, with the programme set to select 150 teams from upper primary and secondary schools across Sarawak as cadets.

Applications can be made via www.srdcbrightsparx.com.