Three students from SMK Chukai in Kemaman win Asia-Pacific 'Do Your: Bit' challenge
Tasnim Lokman
SHAH ALAM – Three form four students from Sekolah Menengah (SMK) Chukai in Terengganu crowned champions in the Asia-Pacific edition of the Do Your :Bit Challenge.
The trio – Muhammad Amiruddin Amar, Ahmad Nasharuddin Anua, and Mifzal Haziq Mazelan – secured the win after presenting their invention, a device that analyses the oxygen levels of forests.
The device works by making use of two of micro:bit's proprietary pocket-sized computers, with one placed in the forest and another placed in a control room, allowing for oxygen levels to be read periodically and facilitate monitoring.
Ahmad Nasharuddin said his group, called Erfinder, invented the device to track oxygen levels during logging activities.
“This device is cheaper, easier and more practical than the use of satellite imagery.
“Our innovation is a new mechanism to ensure the balance of the ecosystem and ensure a healthier life for humans and the environment.
"The invention will help efforts in controlling deforestation," he said, hoping to patent the device soon.
The challenge is an online competition hosted by tech education company Micro:Bit's Educational Foundation, which aims to encourage young people to come up with innovations using the “micro:bit” with elements of coding.
A micro:bit is a peripheral device that can talk to a central like a smart phone or tablet.
The students were given guidance throughout the development process by their teachers teachers Febing Ayu Marjohan and Irfah Hafizah Ahmad, and two mentors from the nearby TATI University – Associate Professor Dr. Ruzlaini Ghoni and Khairudin Ali.SMK Chukai principal Tengku Shahrir Tengku Dahlan said the school was proud of the students' success especially after having defeated 400 contestants from other Asia-Pacific countries.
"The students' win was in the 15 to 18 age category, and we understand that this is the first time Malaysia has won in this competition.
"We hope this win will help motivate other students to always strive to do their best in order to benefit the country and society,” he said in an online award ceremony video dated Sept 21, 2021.
