Concerns are growing over the declining interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as these fields are crucial for future development. To address this issue, Shell Malaysia has launched the Shell NXplorers program, which aims to cultivate and nurture STEM skills in local youth. This global education initiative empowers young people to become changemakers by equipping them with the necessary tools, methodologies, and interdisciplinary skills to solve real-world problems through collaboration and innovation.
Shell NXplorers invites secondary school students from all over Malaysia to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges in the food-water-energy nexus. The program includes three regional competitions held in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, with the winners from each region advancing to the national challenge. The state winners from Sarawak for this year’s competition are Team Sentinels from SMK Bintulu, who were named the grand champions, and Team Girl Code from SMK Lutong, who came in as the first runner-up. Both teams will represent Sarawak in the national challenge, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 8.
Team Sentinels, consisting of Jaynerson Joelee, Anselm Wong Jing Ern, and Allyson Yot Linton, won the grand prize for their invention, the Mr. Mister device. Despite its name being inspired by the 80s rock band, Mr. Mister is actually a portable mist sprayer machine that can be used with different fan models. The device incorporates temperature and humidity control sensors, allowing it to detect and respond to varying environmental conditions. The team’s mission is to enhance comfort and well-being, particularly in hot climates, by providing an effective means of cooling indoor spaces. The device is also connected to a mobile application, enabling users to customize and adjust the misting levels according to their needs.
Team Sentinels faced unexpected issues with their device on the day of the competition but managed to overcome them with a video demonstration of the working model. The competition allowed them to develop project management, problem-solving, and innovative thinking skills while gaining practical experience in STEM. Their future plans include incorporating 3D printing and AI integration to further improve their device.
First runner-up Team Girl Code, comprising Nirelly Efua Nigel, Violete Sim, and Ashley Saran Francis, impressed the judges with their Compost Manager project. This e-composting system not only monitors conditions and progress but also serves as a resource for beginners, offering guidance tailored for novices. The team aims to make composting more accessible and efficient, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices for a healthier environment. Participating in the Shell NXplorers competition helped them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to benefit the environment and local communities.
Shell NXplorers Malaysia received support from the Ministry of Education and worked with over 1000 secondary school students from 25 schools across the country. In Sarawak alone, 600 students were selected, and peer-to-peer coaching was implemented to share knowledge with a larger student community of approximately 12,000 students from participating schools. Choong Yen Li, General Manager of Sarawak Gas, Shell Malaysia Upstream, expressed her admiration for the innovative solutions developed by the students and emphasized the importance of fostering STEM education early in order to develop future leaders.
To learn more about Shell NXplorers, click here.
