Innovative Teachers and Students
INNOVATING at a young age is not easy, what more being an 11-year old girl who is still too young to even understand the definition of innovation.
However, this is not the case for Maryam Muzamir.
The year five student from Methodist Girls Primary School in Kuantan, Pahang proved that she was capable of putting Malaysia's name on the map after her invention, converting seafood shells into sustainable livestock feed, also known as YAM 2.0, won multiple awards.
She bagged three gold medals in The 6th International Invention, Innovation Competition (iCAN) 2021 in Toronto, Canada.
She admitted that she was surprised by the win and even more meaningful was the fact that she became the youngest winner ever to do so. “I’m so happy. This success has lifted my spirit to keep on inventing new innovations. Thank you to my family for always supporting me," she said.
Maryam’s success has convinced this writer that gifted students has potential to create their own success as long as they work hard and get the support they need. Another two students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Mohd Fahad Saleem and Nur Liyana Syasya Mohd Zamuri, both 24, also made history by winning the '3M Challenge' at Southeast level with their invention Smart Bandage.
Malaysians are truly amazing.
Back to Maryam, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDHEP) Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi expressed how proud he was of her achievements and offered to patent her invention via Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO). Alexander said the efforts to patent the innovation is not only for the accreditation of the inventor's creativity but also to protect the invention from being plagiarized. He added, it will also give the inventor the ability to further explore her potential such as commercialising her creations to higher levels. Meanwhile, Maryam’s father, Associate Professor Dr Muzamir Hasan said the inspiration behind YAM 2.0 came as they frequented seafood restaurants. “Maryam looks for a method to recycle the waste from seafood shells into livestock feed. Hence, YAM 2.0,” he said. This writer also wants to share an innovation by teacher named Wan Muadzam Wan Abidin. He invented something called ‘Caballus Rafvi’ (Running aid for Visual Impairment), functioning as a supporting tool for the students with special visual needs. It provides navigation, mobility, and stability support during sporting activities especially in running events.
Although he has not won any medals, his efforts as a teacher for Program Pendidikan Khas Intergrasi (Integrated Special Child Education Programme [PPKI]) at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Klang has gotten an overwhelming response from Malaysians across the country. Wan Muadzam said the tool was invented with 'a horse concept' using a trolley and baby stroller. It is easy to use for all categories, regardless of size. It can even fit two students at a time. The tool is not only for the visually-impaired but also students with physical limitations such as uneven feet lengths or one leg. The tool can help them run with the help of an escort assistance that controls from the back, supporting the device's stability and ensuring its safe from coming into contact with others. No matter what kind of innovation invented by teachers and students, this writer believes they are all beneficial. Malaysia is lucky to have many gifted people in the innovation field. Big names such as teacher Samuel Isiah from SK Runchang in Rompin, Pahang; teacher Norasma Mohamaed Salleh and teacher Salbiah Mohamed Salleh from Sekolah Menengah Sains Pasir Puteh, Kelantan and a lot more of whom have succeeded in outstanding innovations, placing Malaysia on the world pedestal. Keep on inventing. Keep trying till you make it!
*Roshlawaty Raieh is SInar Harian's GPSBestari Journalist
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