Team Terralnnovators from Johor, made up of three 15-year-old students, has been crowned the winner of the sixth edition of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 (SFT), after beating four finalist teams.

In partnership with Universiti Malaya, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program, themed Start with Can, empowers young students aged 13 to 15 to tackle pressing local issues through innovative solutions that drive positive change in their communities. By applying the knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), students are encouraged to think critically and creatively. The four-month-long competition received an overwhelming response across Malaysia, totaling 115 teams and more than 300 students participating, striving to deliver the most innovative solutions.

Elaine Soh, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Malaysia Electronics, praised the participating teams, stating “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow isn’t just a STEM competition, it’s a catalyst for innovation. We are impressed by these young minds who are using their STEM skills to tackle real-world challenges. Their dedication to creating a sustainable future aligns with our mission to drive positive change. We also want to congratulate the winning teams – these students represent the future, demonstrating the right mindset to drive the changes we aspire to see in our society today.”

The SFT 2024 competition concluded on 7 December in Kuala Lumpur with a thrilling finale, where all teams enthusiastically presented their STEM prototypes in hopes of winning the first prize. The finalists competed for Samsung prizes, and the following teams victoriously emerged with their outstanding projects:

First Prize:

Accessible Recycling – Eco Pulse by Team Terralnnovators from SMK Sultan Ismail

Eco Pulse is an AI-driven image recognition app designed to streamline the recycling process. Powered by advanced data science and algorithms, it estimates the value and weight of recyclable items with precision. They received Samsung products worth up to RM28,000.

Second Prize:

Animal Conservation – Elephant-Friendly Farm Alarm System by Team A Miso Soup from Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School

Equipped with motion sensors with Arduino or Raspberry Pi, the Elephant-Friendly Farm Alarm System is able to detect nearby elephants or trespassers, protecting the endangered Borneo Pygmy Elephants. They received Samsung products worth up to RM24,000.

Third Prize:

Environmental Protection – Bioethanol from Cassava Roots by Team Eagle Young Innovators from St. John’s Institution Kuala Lumpur

Bioethanol derived from cassava roots offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional cleaning, agriculture, and medical products, promoting a healthier environment and improved human care. They received Samsung products worth up to RM19,000.

Fourth Prize:

Renewable Energy – Piezoelectric Tiles by Team The Visionaries from Vision Secondary School Tawau

Piezoelectric Tiles harness piezoelectricity to generate clean energy from the kinetic energy of moving vehicles. They were awarded RM6,000 worth up to Samsung products.

Fifth Prize:

Waste Reduction – Biodegradable Membrane by Team Renew Shield from SMK Sungai Tapang

The biodegradable membrane is made from eco-friendly kitchen ingredients and natural wax, designed to reduce waste and promote sustainability. They received Samsung products worth up to RM3,000.

The SFT competition has been an integral part of Samsung Malaysia Electronics’ commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of leaders in STEM fields.

Universiti Malaya’s involvement as a partner has been instrumental in nurturing and guiding these young talents. Together, Samsung Malaysia Electronics and Universiti Malaya continue to inspire and empower the future talents of Malaysia.

For more information about Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/solvefortomorrow/2024/

For six years, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has inspired Malaysia’s youth to develop creative solutions to real-world problems using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By providing students an opportunity to go beyond textbook knowledge and apply STEM concepts to community challenges, the competition sparks early interest in technology-driven careers that help propel the nation forward.

At a recent Design Thinking Workshop, participants shared how the program has positively transformed their perspectives on STEM education. Denielle Leong from Samsung Malaysia Electronics (SME) Sdn Bhd (“Samsung Malaysia”), noted her mentoring experience as an eye-opener. “Our role as mentors is to deepen their current perspectives while allowing them to explore solutions freely. I’ve learned a lot myself through the experience.”

Lydia Karunia Sangeeth, a Computer Science and English teacher from SMK Shah Alam, found Samsung Solve for Tomorrow a powerful platform for her students to explore their passion for STEM. “When I see my students getting excited preparing for it, I get motivated to work closely with them to create solutions using the technologies we have.” She also highlighted the importance of adaptability in the role of teaching and mentoring, especially when technology advancement continues to accelerate.

Students like Harinesvari A/P Sivabalan from SMK Shah Alam said that the competition helped clarify her STEM career path. “One of the key difficulties for us was identifying which issue to address. Our team had to discuss closely with our teacher to ensure that our problem statement and solution were logical,” Harinesvari admitted.

Tan Jiun Kai from SMJK Kwang Hwa and Haziq Nawfal bin Mohd Nizam from SM Sains Kuala Selangor, both saw this experience as transformative.

An avid participant in STEM competitions, Tan saw this opportunity as an excellent platform to develop new skills. “Beyond gaining technical STEM knowledge, I learned to approach problems with a broader perspective. For example, our project focuses on the environment. We will have to consider other social factors when proposing solutions. I believe the ability to see the bigger picture is crucial for navigating the 21st-century world,” he said.

Nizam mentioned, “The competition motivated me to continue researching what’s truly needed to solve a problem. Besides, I get to practice my communication skills and improve my self-confidence when presenting our ideas to others.” 

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has proven to be more than a mere learning experience for the participants. As a key contributor to equipping Malaysian youths with the necessary skills to thrive in their future career, Samsung Malaysia continues to support the country’s broader goal of enhancing global competitiveness through innovation.

To learn more about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and the Grand Finale, please visit the official website or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is perceived as complex, challenging, and less appealing compared to fields such as arts, sports, and music. However, in today’s rapidly evolving landscape where artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology thrive, preparing students for future careers is more important than ever. According to the Ministry of Education (MOE), there is a significant growth in STEM enrolment, rising from 41.84% in 2019 to 50.83% in 2024[1]. This 10 percentage point increase marks the highest STEM enrolment in the past decade, signaling a new era where students are eager to embrace STEM learning.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow: Making STEM Learning Interesting and Impactful

Recognizing the growing STEM enrolment and the challenges ahead within the STEM landscape, Samsung Malaysia, in collaboration with Universiti Malaya, launched Samsung Solve for Tomorrow to ignite curiosity and creativity among students, dismissing the myth that STEM learning is mundane.

“This design thinking-based competition aims to make STEM exploration more enjoyable, relevant, and meaningful for youths, while encouraging critical-thinking and problem-solving. It also allows students to apply their learned knowledge to real-world challenges and enable them to spark positive change within the community,” said Ir. Dr. Mas Sahidayana Mohktar, Director of Universiti Malaya’s STEM Centre

Through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, secondary students from Form 1 to Form 3 have the opportunity to collaborate with industry practitioners, gaining valuable insights and skills beyond the traditional classroom setting. This hands-competition empowers them with the tools and knowledge to create impactful, community-driven solutions, bridging the gap between theory learning and practical application. 

Malaysia’s Emerging STEM Jobs

By initiating Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung contributes to Malaysia’s effort of targeting a 60:40 ratio of science to arts[2]. The demand for STEM related jobs is expected to steadily increase in the coming years. Industry experts predict that emerging roles such as artificial intelligence experts, cloud engineers, software developers and big data analysts will see substantial growth to address the ever-increasing needs of the new economy[3], thus supporting Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a high-income nation through its highly skilled workforce.

The evolving technology environment calls for educators to cultivate an early interest in STEM among students. By fostering engagement from primary through secondary education, Malaysia empowers its future generation to develop skills and innovative thinking needed to solve local issues. Early exposure to STEM not only helps the nation keep pace with global trends, but also position Malaysia as a leader in driving technological advancements.

Both Samsung Malaysia and Universiti Malaya remain committed to nurturing foster innovative STEM ideas, ensuring students are equipped to excel in the global arena and create a better world for all.

Follow the journey of the participants in this transformative competition on Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024’s website ​or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

[1] The Star. STEM enrolment hits 50.83% for 2024, up from 41.84% in 2019, says Education Ministry.

[2] New Straits Times. [Updated] Low interest in STEM worrying, says PM.

[3] Sinar Daily. STEM related jobs will be high demand in future, experts say.

Samsung Malaysia Electronics (“Samsung Malaysia”) officially revealed the top 10 semi-finalist teams for the sixth edition of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. This highly anticipated competition challenges Malaysian secondary students from Form 1 to Form 3 to develop innovative solutions to address Malaysia’s pressing societal issues by using Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These shortlisted teams will advance to the second phase, where they will turn their innovative ideas into real-life working prototypes.

In partnership with Universiti Malaya, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has garnered tremendous enthusiasm from students and mentors across the nation. A distinguished panel of STEM experts from Universiti Malaya evaluated more than 115 entries from 345 participants and identified the top 10 teams to advance to the next stage of the competition.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their dedication and creativity in this competition. It is inspiring to see the impressive number of entries submitted this year. We look forward to seeing the semi-finalists unlock their full potential and further refine their ideas as they advance to the next phase of the competition,” said Elaine Soh, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Malaysia Electronics. “At Samsung, we believe in empowering innovative and passionate young talents, as they are key to shaping our nation’s future,” she added.

Ir. Dr. Mas Sahidayana Mohktar, Director of the Universiti Malaya STEM Centre, added, “It was truly inspiring to witness the creativity displayed by the participating teams. Beyond their impressive solutions, what stood out most was the growing enthusiasm among students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. The next phase of the competition will be crucial for these students, as they will require additional support and knowledge to enhance their ideas and solutions, alongside guidance from their mentors. As STEM educators, we are committed to supporting these teams as they progress on their journey.”

The Top 10 Semi-Finalist teams for Solve For Tomorrow 2024 (in no particular order) are:

• TerraInnovators – SMK Sultan Ismail (Johor)
• Eagle Young Innovators – St. John’s Institution (Kuala Lumpur)
• The Visionaries – Vision Secondary School Tawau (Sabah)
• A Miso Soup – Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School (Sabah)
• Renew Shield – SMK Sungai Tapang (Sarawak)
• Tres Scholarium – SM Sains Kuala Selangor (Selangor)
• The Nexus – SMK Subang (Selangor)
• Eco Empire – SMJK Kwang Hua (Selangor)
• TWS – SMK Shah Alam (Selangor)
• Quantum Questers – SMK La Salle Petaling Jaya (Selangor)

The next phase of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow features the Design Thinking Workshop, where the semi-finalists will refine their initial ideas and create prototypes, further explaining their ideas. Lastly, top 5 finalists will be selected to present their finalized ideas and compete for the grand prize worth up to RM28,000 in Samsung products.

For more information on Solve for Tomorrow, please visit https://www.samsung.com/my/solvefortomorrow/2024/.

Stay updated with the latest information by following the official Samsung Malaysia Facebook account. You can also watch the winning presentations from last year’s winners at Solve For Tomorrow – Winners | Samsung Malaysia.

Samsung Malaysia Electronics (“Samsung Malaysia”) is proud to announce the return of the sixth edition of the ‘Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) 2024’ , a youth competition designed to inspire young minds to develop problem-solving skills and address challenges in their communities with the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). With the nationwide theme ‘Start with Can’, Malaysian students aged 13 to 15 are once again invited to identify local pressing issues and create innovative solutions with STEM to make a positive change and stand a chance to win a share worth up to RM 80,000 in technology and classroom supplies!

This initiative is a collaborative effort between Samsung Malaysia and Universiti Malaya to instill early interest and skills in STEM in hopes of equipping the next generation with the necessary skill sets needed to thrive and excel when they enter into the workforce in the near future. This aligns with the nation’s vision of building a sustainable STEM talent pool to propel Malaysia towards its goal of becoming a high-tech nation by 2030.

Dato’ Roh Jae Yeol, Director of Corporate Affairs at Samsung Malaysia, said, “Generation Alpha has been immersed in a tech-savvy world, fostering great creativity and boldness in exploring and pioneering innovation. This trend aligns with future work demands in fields like artificial intelligence, IoT and advanced technologies. At Samsung, we believe young minds can overcome their communities’ challenges through innovation, dedication, and passion. Samsung SFT is more than a competition; it serves as a catalyst, empowering all Malaysian youths to realise their capabilities and transform their ideas into tangible solutions that contribute to a better future.”

“We welcome all Malaysian youth innovators to break through language barriers and showcase their creativity in this competition. We have full faith that these young minds can change the world. As educators, we are responsible for preparing them to navigate the digital frontier and make positive changes,” shared Ir. Dr. Mas Sahidayana Mohktar, Director of Universiti Malaya’s STEM Centre. “This initiative also marks our pivotal commitment to fostering early-stage STEM education, a critical step in cultivating the talent pool that will drive our nation’s economic development.”

Samsung SFT 2024 competition provides an opportunity for secondary students nationwide to showcase their innovative ideas by addressing real-world problems using STEM principles in a 800-word submission. Entries will be evaluated by Samsung Malaysia and Universiti Malaya based on various criteria such as issue relevance, creativity, feasibility, STEM application, and presentation of innovative solutions. The top 10 teams will advance to the next round, where they will enhance and present their ideas.

The shortlisted entries for Samsung SFT 2024 competition will be revealed on the program’s website in October 2024. Selected participants will benefit from mentorship and guidance to refine their ideas and develop prototypes during a Design to Win Workshop.

In December 2024, winners will be determined through a competitive pitching process.

First Prize: Samsung products worth up to RM28,000^[1].

Second Prize: Samsung products worth up to RM24,000^[2].

Third Prize: Samsung products worth up to RM19,000^[3].

Forth Prize: Samsung products worth up to RM6,000^[4].

Fifth Prize: Samsung products worth up to RM3,000^[5].

Registration for SFT is now open and participants have until 16 September 2024 to submit their entries.

Stay tuned for the latest information by following the official Samsung Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. You can also watch the winning presentations from last year’s winners at SFT – Winners | Samsung Malaysia.

For more information about SFT 2024, please visit https://www.samsung.com/my/solvefortomorrow/2024.

[1] Prizes value are estimated and may be varied. Terms and Conditions apply.

[2] Prizes value are estimated and may be varied. Terms and Conditions apply.

[3] Prizes value are estimated and may be varied. Terms and Conditions apply.

[4] Prizes value are estimated and may be varied. Terms and Conditions apply.

[5] Prizes value are estimated and may be varied. Terms and Conditions apply.