Empowering Minds and Shaping Futures: My Journey to Becoming a Global Student Prize 2023 Finalist.

In the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), where innovation fuels progress, I stand as a beacon of inspiration. At just 22 years old, my dedication to education, mentorship, and technological innovation has earned me a place among the top 50 finalists of the esteemed Global Student Prize 2023. This prestigious accolade recognizes exceptional students who have not only excelled in their studies but have also made a profound impact on learning, their peers, and society at large.

Maker Journey Background

Hailing from Tenom, Sabah, my journey is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and passion-driven learning. From my secondary school days, I immersed myself in serving as a mentor at the Tenom Innovation Centre (TIC). Guiding my peers and juniors, I not only led teams to victory in national innovation competition, but also helped juniors elevate their examination grades in Mathematics and Science subjects. My commitment to bridging educational gaps extended beyond textbooks, inspiring rural communities to embrace STEM and innovation, and pursue higher education.

My pursuit of excellence led me to the doors of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) as I was awarded as recipient of PETRONAS Educational Sponsorship Programme(PESP 2019), where I embarked on a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Hons) degree. Beyond the classroom, I made my mark as the president of UTP PETROBOTS, the university's robotics club. With my leadership, the club thrived, contributing to the holistic development of robotics enthusiasts and fostering a robotics environment of creativity and collaboration.

Projects

But my aspirations didn't end at mentorship and leadership; they encompassed innovation. My ingenious creations resonated with practicality and impact since I was in my secondary school studies. From a sonar system detecting pests in paddy fields to an app curbing harvest losses during transportation, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system for inventory management, my innovations reflect my commitment to addressing real-world challenges.

My creations extended beyond agriculture and logistics. Me and my teammate, Daniel Ting "Early Depression Diagnosis System (EDDS)" demonstrated our foresight in integrating cutting-edge technology for the betterment of mental health. By utilizing machine learning and deep learning algorithms, We developed a system to detect early depressive symptoms, showcasing the transformative potential of STEM in unexpected domains.

In my second year, My journey culminated in an international arena as part of the UTP team includes our leader, Poh Ching Hong, and rest of the team member, Yap Wei Cheng, Foo Jia Wen, Liew Lih Xuan and Low Chen Khang, that secured the "Rapid Award" at the ChemE Cube Competition in the United States. This victory highlighted my engineering prowess and showcased how innovation can transcend borders to make a lasting impact on global challenges. This results in receiving one of the Vice Chancellor Award, SEA Award in 2023.

Inspiration

At the heart of my story lies a belief in the power of STEM education. I envision a dynamic curriculum that intertwines real-world challenges with analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. I call for projects and activities that spotlight the practicality of STEM in everyday life, ultimately preparing future generations to lead with innovation and resilience.

In a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation, my journey serves as a guiding light. My mentorship, inventions, and unwavering determination emphasize the transformative potential of STEM education. As I take my place among the top 50 finalists of the Global Student Prize 2023, I not only inspire my peers but reaffirm that the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and community impact can create a future brimming with possibilities.

My story is a reminder that each one of us has the power to shape the world through passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact. I really hope that my "maker" journey continues to empower minds and shape futures, illuminating a path for innovation enthusiasts to follow in my footsteps, and further achieve in more greater achievement in the future.??