KOTA KINABALU: What started as a school project has turned into a groundbreaking achievement for three teenage girls from Keningau Vocational College.
Their research on structural damage in rural homes has not only earned them recognition in an international journal but is also paving the way for a social startup designed to help underserved communities.
Nur Qamariah, Ara Billa Biton, and Avyda Tang Pei Chin, all 18, had a vision to make a difference, and they proved that three heads are better than one.
Their paper, published on Sept 23 in the International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, forms the foundation of their startup, First 2 Fix, aimed at providing home repair services to rural families.
The research was conducted as part of a fieldwork trip to a decrepit wooden stilt house in a rural community.
“Before we could begin the restoration work, we needed to evaluate the extent of the damage. We conducted a detailed damage appraisal, identified the root causes, and prioritised the most urgent repairs,” said Nur Qamariah.
Their study involved creating a customised assessment tool to measure the condition of the home, which allowed them to carry out a thorough evaluation.
“We first wrote the proposal, then developed the assessment instrument based on the home’s condition, and finally analysed the findings from our evaluations,” she added.
The research was supervised by four dedicated teachers – Jovinia Danil, Dayang Amidah Amin, Dayang Siti Khatijah, and Dr Sirhajwan Idek, who helped guide the students through the research and writing process.
This achievement is not only a personal triumph for the students but also a proud moment for the college.
Keningau Vocational College director Nordin Akup lauded the students for their hard work.
“It is essential to equip our students with research and writing skills. Achievements like this will boost their credentials, whether in business, the labour market, or academia,” he said in a statement.
For the three teens, the experience has been transformative.
What started as a simple community service initiative has evolved into a platform for real-world impact.
Through First 2 Fix, the trio aim to make lasting contributions by addressing the home repair needs of rural communities.
