Junior Innovate 2024 Fostering Innovation Among Young Minds

Anselm Then Wei Xian

On 7th September 2024, the Faculty of Science at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) came alive with creativity and innovation as Junior Innovate 2024 unfolded at T02. This exciting competition brought together 140 primary school students from 25 schools across eight districts in Johor, all competing under the theme of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which emphasizes Good Health and Well-Being.

The event was officially opened by Associate Professor Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, Dean of the Faculty of Science. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Mr. Junit bin Yasir, Chief Assistant Director of the Information Technology and Communications Unit, Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), and Mr. Mohd. Faiz, representing the Chairman of the James Dyson Foundation. Other notable attendees included Mrs. Pauline Yong, the coordinator of the Junior Innovate Program and Principal of Chumbaka Johor Bahru, Dr. Roslinda Zainal, Director of the Department of Physics, and Dr. Rosnita Muhammad, Director of the Junior Innovate 2024 Program at UTM, alongside a panel of judges from academia and industry. The presence of teachers, task force members, and proud parents added to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

This year marks the third collaboration between Chumbaka and the Department of Physics at UTM, following the success of similar programs in 2022 and 2023. The ongoing partnership reflects a shared vision for enhancing students’ educational experiences by equipping them with practical skills and fostering an innovative mindset. Plans for a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between UTM and Chumbaka are underway, promising to strengthen this impactful collaboration even further in the future.

Junior Innovate 2024 is more than just a competition – it’s a platform designed to cultivate a culture of innovation within school communities. By encouraging creativity and critical thinking, the program aims to elevate teaching and learning standards. The collaboration between Chumbaka, the James Dyson Foundation, the Faculty of Science at UTM, and the JPNJ plays a crucial role in advancing Malaysia’s innovation agenda, particularly in areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), digital technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Competitions like Junior Innovate help to equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive on the global stage, and it is hoped that initiatives like these will inspire more students to pursue STEM education in the future.