Shell NXplorers nurtures young innovators for greater social impact

Team Hogwarts from SMK Vivekananda Kuala Lumpur emerged as champions of the Shell NXplorers Peninsular Malaysia challenge on Oct 15.

IT TAKES only a small pool of stagnant water for mosquito larvae to breed. And by the time they grow into adults, the problem is far harder to contain.

That thinking drove secondary school students Vashnie Ramesh Kumar, Sakthivelan Kumaraguru and Meenal Muthiah from SMK Vivekananda, Kuala Lumpur, to design a system that stops the problem at its source.

Competing as team Hogwarts, the trio emerged as champions of the Shell NXplorers Peninsular Malaysia challenge held on Oct 15.

They said the idea grew out of a Year 6 science fair project, a pot designed to repel mosquitoes.

“We started wondering, what if we could take that same idea, and make it more automatic, sustainable and smarter?” the team recalled.

The result is their creative solution, Smart BTI Bio-Sentinel, an automated dengue prevention system that detects stagnant water and monitors temperature using sensors connected to an Arduino UNO.

Chieng (left) and Dayana (right) alongside Peninsular Malaysia champions Team Hogwarts.

When conditions suit mosquito breeding, the system releases a BTI (biological mosquito larvicide) solution to help control larvae, while an LCD screen, buzzer and LED lights provide real-time alerts. It can also operate with minimal human intervention.

“What makes BTI Sentinel special is that it focuses on preventing the problem before it even starts. We target mosquitoes at their larval stage, before they grow into adult mosquitoes and become a bigger problem,” they said.

“We believe this is a more effective and safer way to manage mosquito populations and help create a healthier environment for our communities.”

But the students shared that ending up as champions was not without its challenges. They wrestled with wiring, debugging, Arduino code, compilation errors from missing libraries and sensor readings that needed adjusting.

“We had to balance our project with exams and other commitments, which was not always easy.

“However, we managed to push through these difficult times and overcome the challenges together, and also improved our understanding of electronics, programming and problem-solving.”

Each member also took something different from the journey. Sakthivelan said that he gained important hands-on skills in electronics and sensor integration.

“One of my most memorable experiences was successfully connecting the electronic components and getting them to work together as a system. Although I faced problems with the wiring, coding and sensor readings, troubleshooting each issue helped me understand how the components function,” he said.

Meanwhile, Meenal said she was able to build and refine her soft skills by taking part in the programme.

“I learned to speak confidently in front of people and not to run away from problems, but to solve them step by step,” she said.

Now, with their sights set on the national grand finals, Vashnie has some helpful words for other aspiring innovators.

“During our preparation for the state competition, we faced many challenges, but we chose to keep going, and that eventually led us here. Believe in what you created and give it your all.

“Even if you don’t succeed now, your hard work and persistence may lead you to success one day,” she said.

The students also said they hope to turn their project into a successful Malaysian brand one day.

From fish tank to flowerpot

While team Hogwarts stole the show for their invention, first runners-up team Hidronix from SMK Tengku Idris Shah in Selangor set its sights on tackling water waste.

First runners-up team Hidronix from SMK Tengku Idris Shah, alongside Dayana (left) and Chieng (right).

The team, consisting of Thirumaghaal Magaswaran, Durka Kalidass and Tarunika Partheepan, created Auto Aqua Plant, a smart aquaponic system that waters plants using water from a fish tank.

A soil moisture sensor tells the system when to water a plant and switches the pump off once the soil is sufficiently wet. Excess water flows back into the fish tank, so it is reused rather than wasted. An accompanying app sends notifications via Telegram to notify users if the soil is wet or dry.

“We hope to encourage people to grow their own vegetables at home while using water efficiently,” said the team.

“This inspired us to make a system that combines technology, water conservation and sustainable plant care.”

Thirumaghaal shared that she learnt the true meaning of innovation during the competition.

“Innovation is not just about having a good idea, but also about being willing to learn, experiment and overcome challenges,” said the teenager, who now aspires to a career in engineering and technology.

Tarunika added that the programme taught them how to think about the “bigger picture”.

“This experience encouraged me to think beyond building a prototype and consider how an innovation could benefit households and the wider community,” she said.

And Durka encouraged other youth innovators to not get bogged down coming up with world-changing ideas.

“Start with a simple idea that can make a positive difference in people's lives. You do not need to create something perfect from the beginning. Be curious, listen to feedback and do not be afraid to think creatively,” she said.

Fostering next-gen innovators

The journeys of team Hogwarts and Hidronix are part of a larger story as part of Shell Malaysia’s push to raise awareness and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Shell NXplorers Peninsular Malaysia challenge brought together 213 participants from seven schools, namely SMK Vivekananda, SMK Bandar Sunway, SMJK Chong Hwa, SMK Orkid Desa, SMK Tengku Idris Shah, SMK Taman Seri Rampai and SMK Aminuddin Baki.

Apart from team Hogwarts and Hidronix, the Most Innovative Award was presented to team Sea Shell from SMJK Chong Hwa, Kuala Lumpur, for their Smart Fridge System.

The system tracks food stored in a refrigerator and updates users through a mobile app, making it easier to keep track of food, prevent spoilage and reduce unnecessary food waste.

Shell Malaysia shallow water and deep-water portfolio general manager Jill Chieng said that at its core, Shell NXplorers is a global education programme that enables students to address real-world challenges through critical thinking.

“Tomorrow’s breakthroughs will come from the young minds we inspire today. As the world navigates increasingly complex food, water and energy challenges, it is critical to equip young people with the skills, confidence and mindset to think differently and innovate,” she said.

“By nurturing curiosity, creativity and systems thinking, we are helping develop the next generation of leaders who will shape a more sustainable future.”

The judges for the Peninsular Malaysia challenge were Chieng, the Education Ministry’s educational technology and resources department principal assistant director Prakash Nakaraj Thiagarajoo and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation digital talent and entrepreneurship senior manager Dayana Safian.

Supported by the Education Ministry, Shell NXplorers Malaysia has engaged over 600 students from 29 schools nationwide, while extending its impact to around 1,000 students through peer-to-peer learning.

For more information on Shell NXplorers Malaysia, click here .

Thank you for your report!

From ‘Campus-in-Industry’ to the UK

THE CHANGING FACE OF HEART SURGERY

Strengthening social protection amid rising costs

10 月 15 日，来自吉隆坡 SMK Vivekananda 学校的霍格沃茨队在 Shell NXplorers 马来西亚半岛挑战赛中荣获冠军。

蚊子幼虫只需要一小滩死水就能繁殖。等到它们长成成虫时，问题就更难控制了。

这种想法促使吉隆坡维韦卡南达中学 (SMK Vivekananda) 的中学生 Vashnie Ramesh Kumar、Sakthivelan Kumaraguru 和 Meenal Muthiah 设计了一个从源头上解决问题的系统。

这三人以霍格沃茨队的身份参赛，并在 10 月 15 日举行的 Shell NXplorers 马来西亚半岛挑战赛中荣获冠军。

他们说，这个想法源于六年级的一个科学展览项目，一个旨在驱蚊的花盆。

“我们开始思考，如果我们能把这个想法付诸实践，让它更加自动化、可持续和智能化，那会怎么样呢？”团队回忆道。

他们的创新解决方案是 Smart BTI Bio-Sentinel，这是一个自动化的登革热预防系统，它使用连接到 Arduino UNO 的传感器来检测死水并监测温度。

Chieng（左）和 Dayana（右）与马来西亚半岛冠军霍格沃茨队合影。

当环境适宜蚊虫繁殖时，该系统会释放一种生物杀幼剂（BTI）溶液来帮助控制幼虫，同时液晶显示屏、蜂鸣器和LED指示灯会发出实时警报。此外，该系统只需极少的人工干预即可运行。

“BTI Sentinel的独特之处在于它专注于防患于未然。我们针对蚊子的幼虫阶段进行防治，在它们长成成蚊造成更大危害之前就进行控制，”他们说。

“我们相信，这是一种更有效、更安全的控制蚊虫数量的方法，有助于为我们的社区创造更健康的环境。”

但学生们也表示，最终夺冠并非一帆风顺。他们克服了接线、调试、Arduino 代码、因缺少库文件导致的编译错误以及需要调整的传感器读数等诸多难题。

“我们必须平衡项目、考试和其他事务，这并不总是那么容易。”

“然而，我们克服了这些困难时期，共同战胜了挑战，同时也提高了我们对电子学、编程和问题解决的理解。”

每个成员都从这次旅程中收获了不同的东西。萨克蒂维兰表示，他在电子学和传感器集成方面获得了重要的实践技能。

“我最难忘的经历之一是成功地连接电子元件并让它们作为一个系统协同工作。虽然我在接线、编码和传感器读数方面都遇到了问题，但逐一排查问题帮助我理解了各个元件的功能，”他说。

与此同时，米纳尔表示，通过参加该项目，她能够培养和提升自己的软技能。

“我学会了在人前自信地讲话，不逃避问题，而是一步一步地解决问题，”她说。

现在，他们的目标是全国总决赛，Vashnie 对其他有抱负的创新者有一些有益的建议。

“在备战州级比赛的过程中，我们遇到了很多挑战，但我们选择坚持下去，最终才走到今天。相信你所创造的，并全力以赴。”

“即使你现在没有成功，你的努力和坚持也终有一天会让你获得成功，”她说。

学生们还表示，他们希望有一天能将他们的项目发展成为一个成功的马来西亚品牌。

从鱼缸到花盆

虽然霍格沃茨队凭借他们的发明赢得了全场瞩目，但来自雪兰莪州 SMK Tengku Idris Shah 的亚军 Hidronix 队则将目光投向了解决水资源浪费问题。

来自 SMK Tengku Idris Shah 的亚军队伍 Hidronix 与 Dayana（左）和 Chieng（右）并列。

该团队由 Thirumaghaal Magaswaran、Durka Kalidass 和 Tarunika Partheepan 组成，他们创造了 Auto Aqua Plant，这是一个智能水培系统，利用鱼缸中的水来浇灌植物。

土壤湿度传感器会告知系统何时给植物浇水，并在土壤足够湿润后自动关闭水泵。多余的水会流回鱼缸，实现循环利用而非浪费。配套的应用程序会通过 Telegram 发送通知，提醒用户土壤的干湿程度。

该团队表示：“我们希望鼓励人们在家种植自己的蔬菜，同时高效利用水资源。”

“这启发我们开发出一种将技术、节水和可持续植物养护相结合的系统。”

Thirumaghaal表示，她在比赛中真正理解了创新的意义。

“创新不仅仅是拥有一个好点子，还要有学习、实验和克服挑战的意愿，”这位青少年说道，他现在渴望从事工程和技术领域的工作。

塔鲁尼卡补充说，该项目教会了他们如何从“大局”思考问题。

“这次经历鼓励我跳出构建原型机的局限，去思考一项创新如何能够造福家庭和更广泛的社区，”她说。

杜尔卡鼓励其他青年创新者不要执着于提出改变世界的想法。

“从一个简单的想法开始，这个想法能够给人们的生活带来积极的改变。你不需要一开始就创造出完美的东西。保持好奇心，倾听反馈，不要害怕进行创造性思考，”她说。

培养下一代创新者

Hogwarts 团队和 Hidronix 团队的旅程是壳牌马来西亚公司为提高人们对科学、技术、工程和数学 (STEM) 的认识和兴趣而开展的更大故事的一部分。

Shell NXplorers 马来西亚半岛挑战赛汇聚了来自 7 所学校的 213 名参赛者，分别是 SMK Vivekananda、SMK Bandar Sunway、SMJK Chong Hwa、SMK Orkid Desa、SMK Tengku Idris Shah、SMK Taman Seri Rampai 和 SMK Aminuddin Baki。

除了 Hogwarts 团队和 Hidronix 团队之外，最具创新奖颁给了来自吉隆坡崇华中学的 Sea Shell 团队，他们的获奖作品是智能冰箱系统。

该系统跟踪冰箱中储存的食物，并通过移动应用程序向用户更新信息，使用户更容易跟踪食物，防止食物变质，减少不必要的食物浪费。

壳牌马来西亚浅水和深水业务组合总经理 Jill Chieng 表示，壳牌 NXplorers 的核心是一个全球教育计划，旨在让学生通过批判性思维应对现实世界的挑战。

“未来的突破将来自我们今天激励的年轻一代。随着世界面临日益复杂的粮食、水和能源挑战，至关重要的是要赋予年轻人技能、信心和思维方式，让他们能够以不同的视角思考和创新，”她说道。

“通过培养好奇心、创造力和系统思维，我们正在帮助培养下一代领导者，他们将塑造一个更可持续的未来。”

马来西亚半岛挑战赛的评委包括 Chieng、教育部教育技术和资源部门首席助理主任 Prakash Nakaraj Thiagarajoo 以及马来西亚数字经济公司数字人才和创业高级经理 Dayana Safian。

在教育部的支持下，Shell NXplorers Malaysia 已吸引了全国 29 所学校的 600 多名学生参与，并通过同伴互助学习将其影响扩展到约 1000 名学生。

有关马来西亚壳牌NXplorers项目的更多信息，请点击此处。

感谢您的报告！

从“校园进军企业”到英国

心脏外科手术的变革

在成本上升的情况下加强社会保障