by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic source: Samsung Malaysia Twitter
SAMSUNG Malaysia Electronics Sdn Bhd has launched an innovation competition for youths to create solutions for issues relating science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The “Samsung Solve For Tomorrow 2021” competition is open to lower secondary students nationwide, mainly in Forms One and Two, to address two main social issues — “Access to Education” and “Environmental Sustainability”.
“This competition will allow a unique learning opportunity to nurture innovative thinking by encouraging youth to solve social issues using STEM,” Samsung Malaysia corporate affairs director Datuk Roh Jae Yeol said during the virtual launch yesterday.
Based on the two themes, participants are required to identify the issues and offer STEM-based solutions for education inclusivity, climate change, pollution, overconsumption and deforestation.
Supported by University of Malaya (UM), the Solve for Tomorrow 2021 will run in three phases before the final presentation and award ceremony on Dec 9.
In a team of three, students need to submit an essay describing an issue and how STEM solutions can solve it in the first round.
Ten shortlisted teams will advance to the second round where they need to refine their ideas and do a presentation.
In the third and final round, the top five teams will need to finalise their idea and create a prototype for extra points.
Each team will need to submit a video recording of their presentation to explain the functions of their prototype.
Samsung Malaysia offers a first prize of RM30,000 worth of Samsung products and similarly RM25,000 worth of Samsung products for second place, RM20,000 (third) and RM6,600 (two consolation prizes).
UM STEM Centre will serve as the judging panel, while providing STEM expertise and resources such as mentoring and seminars to meet the needs of the shortlisted participants and their innovative ideas.
UM STEM Centre head Ir Dr Mas Sahidayana Mokhtar said the university is teaming up with Samsung to address education inclusivity and the current pressing problems.
“In line with our mission to nurture tomorrow’s leader, we encourage students to take advantage of this chance to address challenges.
“We believe students are the future’s hope to create innovative STEM solutions for a more sustainable future,” Mas Sahidayana said.
The competition also helps develop students’ communication skills in preparation for the future workforce.
Team A.I.R — the winner of the competition last year who developed a solution to detect water pollution and avoid water disruption — said the experiences have helped them improve their research and soft skills.