Solve for Tomorrow 2024 Major Winners – Exam Insights – Jason Zhong, Bradley Cox

Queensland-based 19-year-old, Bradley Cox, has taken out the top prize. His start-up, Exam Insights, is on a mission to provide a question bank in every classroom, built from resources students and teachers already have. Launched in late 2023, the platform centralised past exam papers into highly accessible question banks specifically for Year 12 QLD external exams, making them accessible and useful for students and educators.

After seeing the platform benefit over 22,000 users across Queensland, Brad and his co-founder, Jason Zhong, soon realised they hadn’t just solved their own problem—they’d created a solution with far-reaching potential. They expanded Exam Insights into a tool that could help anyone organise and align their own resources, reducing workloads for educators and simplifying study for students.

As the major prize winner, Brad has won $10,000 to put towards enhancing the platform with new features and services, expanding across Australia and supporting new, strategic partnerships.

Brad said, “What began as a tool to solve our own problem quickly grew into a platform designed to empower classrooms everywhere. Being selected as the winner of Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition is an incredible honour and validation of our work and impact on students and educators alike. STEM is an incredible field where curiosity and creativity come together to create solutions that matter. To young Aussies interested in studying STEM, I say start small, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to fail—it’s all part of the process. Most importantly, focus on how your skills can help others. That’s where the real impact lies, and that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.”

Solve for Tomorrow 2024 Runner 19-24 – STEM Sisterhood – Keziah Furnell

Queensland-based 22-year-old, Keziah Furnell has been awarded the ‘Runner-Up 19-24’ prize with her business, STEM Sisterhood which is aimed at fostering greater participation in STEM for girls and women via a series of workshops exploring different STEM fields, problem solving and collaboration – with a particular focus on accessing girls and women in regional areas. As the prize winner in this category, Keziah has been awarded $5,000 to go towards developing a new range of workshops that will expand into more regional towns, purchase further scientific equipment for the workshops, and enable further engagement with female STEM experts to host the workshops and connect and collaborate with students.

Keziah said, “I was inspired to tackle the issue of underrepresentation of regional and public-school female STEM students when I walked into my first university engineering lecture and discovered only 12 women out of 120 students. I wanted to make girls see from a young age that the ‘play’ they engage in is science that has real scientific pathways. My workshops focus on exploring chemistry through the wonderful world of bath bombs or kitchen chemistry. I am so grateful to be chosen as a recipient of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition and would advise any young Australians interested in studying STEM to go for it – your ideas are valid and important, and anyone has the capacity to change the world.”

Solve for Tomorrow 2024 Runner up 14-18 – Enlight – Shuwei Guo

Sydney-based 16-year-old, Shuwei Guo is the minor winner within the 14-18 year-old category with his personalised education platform concept, Enlight – an innovative, free and AI-powered short-form platform designed to make learning addictive by tailoring education to each individual’s knowledge level, learning type (e.g. visual learning vs. kinaesthetic) by harnessing specific nomenclature and proprietary AI models to gamify traditional education.

The $5,000 prize money will go towards establishing a pilot program within local schools, libraries and community centres, as well as working with educators to refine the platform and establishing a volunteer program of tech-savvy individuals to assist those using the platform.

Shuwei said, “I was inspired to tackle educational inequality after seeing firsthand how limited access to quality learning resources can impact students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Something imperative to my design and iteration processes was making a product that you and your friends would genuinely and consistently use – not ‘just’ another mediocre GPT wrapper. My formative experiences as a student taught me examples of how much personalised, engaging educational content can have a poignant impact in helping students reach their full potential, and I’m grateful to Samsung for the opportunity to showcase how technology can be used to create positive change in our communities.”

In addition to the prize money, each of the three winners have received a Samsung productivity pack that includes a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G/Galaxy A55 5G, 32″ Smart Monitor M70D UHD, and Galaxy Buds2.

Brett Turnbull, Director of Corporate Marketing at Samsung Electronics Australia, and judge on the panel for Solve for Tomorrow 2024 said, “At Samsung, we’re dedicated to empowering young Australians to turn their innovative ideas into impactful solutions. This year’s entries showcased the remarkable creativity and purpose-driven mindset of this generation, with participants tackling a diverse range of issues with passion and ingenuity. It’s inspiring to see the potential of STEM in helping develop meaningful change and shape a better future for all.”

Dr Kirsten Banks, Astrophysicist, STEM advocate and Solve for Tomorrow 2024 ambassador said, “I’m continually inspired by the ingenuity and passion of young Australians, and it was exciting to see that firsthand in the submissions. The Solve for Tomorrow 2024 entries demonstrate the power of STEM to address real-world challenges, and the innovative solutions shared make me excited to see what comes next from these bright and curious minds.”

To participate in Solve for Tomorrow, young Australians aged 14-24 years needed to submit a 400-word proposal outlining the issue facing their community and how they would use STEM to solve it, attend a Design Thinking Workshop, and then submit a final video pitch proposal. A panel of judges reviewed the proposals and selected the winners based on a scoring system analysing their STEM application, creativity, feasibility, relevancy and presentation.

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition has been empowering young innovators since launching in Australia in 2021; reaching hundreds of students and fostering their passion for STEM while encouraging them to pursue careers in the industry.

Samsung Electronics Australia has today announced the winner of its inaugural STEM Teacher of the Year Awards, with local Pymble Ladies College teacher Mr. Asaph Becker being crowned the overall winner following a nationwide call-out.

Samsung designed the award to recognise the hard work and positive impact STEM teachers have on today’s young minds and future leaders. This follows research commissioned earlier in the year by Samsung, which showed that 59% of Australians agree that STEM teachers should receive more recognition than they currently receive¹.

Current and former students, fellow teachers, parents and industry experts were asked to nominate a teacher who makes STEM feel less like a subject and more like an adventure against specific criteria.

Mr. Asaph Becker, the Head of Robotics at Pymble Ladies College, said, “I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Samsung STEM Teacher of the Year Award, especially knowing it comes from the students I’m so passionate about supporting. My goal has always been to empower students, particularly women, to pursue STEM with passion and purpose and to build a supportive community where everyone feels they can make a meaningful impact. This award reflects the hard work of my students, who inspire me every day to make a difference.”

The entries were judged by a panel of industry experts, including Astrophysicist and STEM advocate Dr Kirsten Banks. The judges selected the winners based on how the teacher has positively impacted their students and the industry and how they continue to demonstrate their commitment to and passion for STEM.

Phil Gaut, Senior Director and Head of Display at Samsung Electronics Australia, said, “Samsung is delighted to celebrate the exceptional educators who have been awarded the STEM Teacher of the Year Awards. These teachers are at the forefront of inspiring curiosity, creativity and a love for learning in STEM, empowering the next generation to achieve incredible things. We are proud to recognise their invaluable contributions to education and their lasting impact on students and communities across Australia.”

Dr Kirsten Banks, Astrophysicist and STEM advocate, said, “I have experienced first-hand the profound impact STEM teachers have on young minds, helping them develop essential skills like critical thinking, creativity and communication. Congratulations to the inaugural winners of Samsung’s STEM Teacher of the Year Awards—this recognition is a true testament to their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they have on shaping the innovators of tomorrow. It’s inspiring to celebrate these educators who play such a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.”

The competition received over 360 entries from across the country, with judging proving difficult because of the high calibre of entries and nominees.

The winning teacher was awarded two Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, one Galaxy Buds3 Pro and a Galaxy Fit3. The runner-up teacher, Mr. Henk Plaggemars from Woodville High School, received one Galaxy Tab S9 FE and a Galaxy Fit3, and the winning student from Pymble Ladies College received a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.

¹ Pure Profile research commissioned by Samsung Electronics Australia surveying 1,003 Australians aged 18+, October 2024

The survey was commissioned to uncover the dynamic and inventive ways Australians aged 14 to 24 years are taking action on the issues that matter most to them; while also revealing the common roadblocks standing in their way when it comes to turning ideas into actions to create positive societal change.

The findings uncover a surprising truth: young Australians, often seen as a vocal generation, feel significantly disempowered in their ability to create meaningful change. The majority (83%) agreed that STEM skills are essential in helping enact positive change, yet three-quarters (75%) felt largely unequipped to take advantage of these skills.

Young Australians are disconnected on how they can have a positive impact on issues that matter to them. Despite wanting to stand up for what they believe in, nearly half (44%) of Gen Z do not feel like it would make a difference, and 39% don’t know how best to take a stand on the social issues they care about. Highlighting a possible way forward for the unsure generation, more than half (53%) of Gen Z think using STEM to create technology or solutions that address the issues they care about is the most effective way to bring about change.

Nearly four million Gen Z Australians[2] could be the next generation of STEM innovators with 83% of those surveyed agreeing that understanding and using technology is key to making positive changes in the world. Despite over half strongly agreeing that STEM enables the opportunities to turn innovative ideas into reality, only one in four (25%) are confident they have the STEM skills to do so. Almost half (49%) say the biggest hurdle is the lack of resources, support network, and monetary support to enable them to do so. These findings indicate that more focus is needed on upskilling young Australians in STEM-related skills to bridge the gap between intentions to create positive change and equipping them with the right skills and resources to do so.

Dr Kirsten Banks, Astrophysicist, STEM advocate and Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 spokesperson said, “There’s definitely a drive in this generation to enact change but there’s a disconnect between the tools, skills and resources they need to be able to speak out on and action the issues that matter to them most.”

“The opportunity is well and truly there for our innovative young thinkers to create meaningful change with STEM when given the opportunities and support. This is why I’m thrilled to be involved in this year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program, supporting young innovators to use STEM to turn their ideas and dreams into creating real, positive change in their communities”

Young Australians are not just seeing STEM as a way to bring about change. They also see it as a viable career path, with over four in five (83%) agreeing that STEM skills are essential not only to enact positive change, but also for future careers. Additionally, three-quarters (75%) agreed that STEM presents exciting opportunities and career pathways for them in the future.

With the number of STEM jobs growing twice as fast[3] as non-STEM related roles, there has never been a more pertinent time for equipping young Australians to upskill in STEM.

Brett Turnbull, Director of Corporate Marketing at Samsung Electronics Australia said, “Solve for Tomorrow is a great starting point for any young innovator wanting to get involved in STEM and understand how it can empower their community and future career opportunities at the same time.”

“As a global technology leader, Samsung understands the vital importance of STEM education in shaping the innovators of tomorrow. We are dedicated to empowering Australia’s next generation of problem solvers by nurturing their skills and offering opportunities for students to engage with both inside and beyond the classroom. Through initiatives like Solve for Tomorrow, we aim to inspire young minds and equip them with the tools they need to make a real difference in the world.”

What is Solve for Tomorrow and How Do You Enter?

Free to participate for Australians aged 14 to 24, Solve for Tomorrow is designed to empower the next generation of innovators by solving a problem facing their community under one of three categories, Sustainability, Education and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The major winner will take home $10,000 cash as well as a suite of Samsung products to help make it a reality.

Educators also stand to win in Solve for Tomorrow, as entries that nominate their high school will be considered for the School Prize, a Flip Pro Interactive Display to help promote collaboration and engagement in the classroom. Recognising Gen Z’s passion for using social media for good, one participant will also receive a Samsung Productivity Pack as the Social Amplify Prize for best raising awareness for their cause on social media. To be considered, participants need to tag @SamsungAU and use the hashtag #SFT_AU_2024 across their social posts highlighting their cause.[4]

“I highly encourage any young person in Australia to get involved in Solve for Tomorrow. Building skills in critical thinking, creativity and communication can truly make meaningful change in the future and I can’t wait to see what you come up with” said Dr Kirsten Banks.

For more information on Solve for Tomorrow, visit: https://www.samsung.com/au/solve-for-tomorrow/.

[1] Samsung and Student Edge (2024) “Voices of Tomorrow: overcoming roadblocks to youth action today”.

[2] Statista Research Department (2024) “Distribution of Australian population in Australia as of 2021, by generation” https://www.statista.com/statistics/1359270/australia-distribution-of-population-by-generation/

[3] National Skills Commission (2022) “Projecting employment to 2026” https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-03/NSC22-0041_Employ Projections_glossy_FA_ACC.pdf

[4] T&Cs apply. Requires an eligible entry to Solve for Tomorrow and social posts must be publically available to be considered for the Social Amplify Prize. See https://www.samsung.com/au/solve-for-tomorrow/ for full terms & conditions.

Samsung Electronics Australia has today released new insights[1] revealing the impact that the teacher shortage crisis is having on Australian teachers, and the role that technology can play in overcoming some of the key challenges faced.

The survey commissioned by Samsung found that, despite barriers to adoption including budget restraints (60%), access to technology (37%) and individual digital confidence or skills (43%), almost half (49%) of teachers agree that technology has the potential to help teaching staff overcome some of the issues raised by the teacher shortage.

Phil Gaut, Senior Director and Head of Display and Memory Solutions Division at Samsung Electronics Australia says,”Our insights highlight the critical need to future-proof Australia’s education system. Educators agree that technology is key to providing productive, accessible and high-quality learning experiences for all students.

“We see tech as the ultimate enabler of top-tier learning experiences, and our suite of education products are crafted with teachers’ needs in mind, ensuring they address the sectors current challenges and deliver effective solutions to help instil meaningful change to Australian classrooms.”

The impact of the Australian teacher shortage

The data showcases that three quarters (75%) of teachers say they are feeling the impact of the teaching shortage crisis, either directly or indirectly via their employer. Teachers report that they feel overwhelmed or stressed by their workload (71%), are having to take on more responsibilities than usual (61%) and say they are working longer hours on regular tasks (53%).

In fact, 41% of respondents even said they are considering leaving their job, or the teaching profession all together, with this feeling highest amongst Queensland educators (48%).

Primary and secondary teachers report experiencing the impacts of the shortage more than university lecturers or specialist educators (43% vs. 13%), with teachers in primary or secondary education reporting that they are taking on more responsibilities and working longer hours on regular tasks (52% and 53%) in comparison tertiary educators (24%).

Technology is part of the solution

The survey found that 71% of teachers agreed the integration of technology within classrooms will improve the quality of learning opportunities they’re able to provide their students. This includes being able to provide students with greater accessibility to educational resources (61%), enhance digital knowledge and expertise (59%), offer futureproofing skills development (59%) and drive higher engagement with lesson content (53%), all of which are essential components toward the future of education.

Interestingly however, the belief that technology can help to offer solutions to issues raised by the teacher shortage in Australia varies amongst age groups, with the youngest teachers (18-24) less likely to agree (23%). This differs to older generations, with 52% of those aged 25-24, 60% of 25–44-year-olds and 51% of teachers aged 55-64 either agreeing that technology can overcome pressures faced.

For many educators, integrating technology in some format is already commonplace in the classroom. Almost three quarters of respondents (72%) turn to tech for lesson content (such as screens or presentations), followed by 64% that use interactive tools, or similar, for student engagement in lessons.

Through increased digitisation, educators are already feeling the benefits technology can have on learning. As outlined in the NSW Department of Education’s Schools Digital Strategy, digitalisation has freed up time in the teachers’ day allowing more time for one-on-one student support, and greater capacity to be more present in the classroom for effective and engaging teaching.  

Teachers frequently find themselves adapting to new environments, moving between classrooms or even schools, requiring technology that is intuitive and easy to learn. By fostering connected learning environments, teachers and students benefit from more consistent experiences, whether this be in-person or remote. Incorporating technology into the curriculum allows for diverse and flexible delivery of educational content, catering to different learning styles and needs, as well as simplifying the admin for teachers so they can focus on the lesson at hand. Inside the classroom, tools including Samsung’s Flip Interactive Display and WAD Interactive eBoard help captivate students with features such as high-resolution screens, powerful speakers, and realistic pen-to-paper writing making the learning experience more engaging and collaborative.

Outside of the classroom is where Samsung’s connected campus vision comes to life, and where there is more scope for institutions to offer connected learning through integrated technology to create seamless and efficient experiences for students, faculty and staff. Through technology such as digital signage and LED displays, campus’ can offer real-time communication, keeping students and the schooling community both onsite and remote informed and connected.

Overcoming barriers to adoption

Samsung’s insights show some of the biggest challenges to integrating technology within schools lies with affordability (60%) and educators’ personal time constraints for learning/upskilling in technology tools (50%).

Regionally, the data shows a lack of proficiency or confidence in technology is one of the biggest barriers facing Victorian educators (45%), compared to Queensland (41%) and New South Wales (38%).

However, a connected campus supports a modern vision of teaching and learning, offering opportunities for students and teachers to upskill their digital literacy. Samsung’s ed-tech solutions focus on making education accessible and inclusive, with easy to use tools including the Flip Interactive Display and WAD Interactive eBoard cater to all types of teaching styles, as well as taking into considerations students diverse needs and learning styles, ensuring all have the opportunity to succeed.

Samsung Electronics Australia believes that the role of technology in the classroom is to supplement teachers and future-proof education, offering them the tools to automate, create and optimise their daily professions, enabling them to free up their time to focus on teaching itself. Interactive technologies not only have the potential to streamline efficiencies but also foster collaboration, engagement and accessibility across the education ecosystem, benefiting teachers, students and institutions.

To find out more about Samsung’s Pro Display education suite solutions and interactive devices including the Flip Pro and WAD eBoards, visit: https://www.samsung.com/au/business/mobile-solutions/education/

[1] Samsung teacher shortage survey, conducted by PureProfile Research in July 2024. Nationally representative of Australian teaching staff 18+, n = 509