KOTA SAMARAHAN: Young innovators presented practical and technological STEM solutions at the International Science, Technology and Engineering Expo 2026 at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), impressing judges and organisers alike.
Projects ranged from solar-powered dryers for salted fish to AI virtual lab assistants and smart biodegradable food packaging, showing both creativity and real-world application.
At SK St James Quop, students developed a solar dryer to modernise the traditional process of drying salted fish, a low-cost and hygienic solution that helped local villagers boost productivity.
Iona John, a teacher at SK St James Quop, said the students enhanced their skills in data analysis and project design while preparing for the expo.
“We wanted to develop their potential in STEM. They learned from mistakes and feedback, and improved their project accordingly,” she said.
At SMK St Thomas, students presented an AI “virtual lab assistant” designed to support chemistry education in rural schools, guiding students through experiments, explaining processes and integrating with the school syllabus.
A teacher at SMK St Thomas, Tan Sin Ee, described the project as a way to bridge gaps where access to teachers was limited while helping students build confidence and analytical skills.
“The expo provides a platform for our students to exhibit their skills and develop their ideas. This project helps bridge the analytical skills gap in students who have limited access to teachers,” said Tan, adding that the project took four to five weeks to prepare.
SMK Kolej Abdillah’s team impressed judges with BioSmartBag, a smart, colour-changing, biodegradable food packaging solution.
The students reused last year’s project, making several modifications for this year’s expo, and were proud when it earned the school the Best of the Best award, alongside bronze, silve and gold medals for their other teams.
Robina Yiu, a teacher from SMK Kolej Abdillah, said the project rewarded their creativity and persistence.
“The students reused last year’s project and made improvements for this expo. They were very proud to win top awards,” she said.
The expo concluded with awards for the top projects, highlighting the achievements of students from primary and secondary schools across Sarawak.
