Innovating for a greener future
The excitement is building once again as DIY MADE SIMPLE 2025 kicks off, inviting young minds from secondary schools across Malaysia to reimagine waste as a source of energy. With the theme “Waste to Energy: Innovate for a Greener Future,” this year’s competition challenges students to develop DIY projects that transform waste into sustainable energy solutions. Running from 17 February to 8 August 2025 at Universiti Malaya (UM), coordinated by UM Community Engagement Centre (UMCares), the event promises to ignite creativity, foster teamwork, and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit among participants.
“Last year, we saw incredible ingenuity in repurposing waste materials, and this year, we are taking it a step further. We want students to harness their scientific knowledge and technical skills to create real-world energy solutions,” said Dr. Muhammad Hadi Mustafa, a senior lecturer at UM’s Faculty of Built Environment, one of the mentors guiding the students.
This initiative not only encourages young innovators to think beyond conventional waste management but also underscores the importance of STEM education in shaping future leaders. With mentorship from UM lecturers, students will receive guidance on research methodologies, engineering principles, and sustainability practices to refine their DIY projects. The ultimate goal is to nurture problem-solvers who can contribute to Malaysia’s green economy.
“DIY MADE SIMPLE is more than just a competition. It is a platform where students learn by doing, applying STEM concepts in a meaningful way. They develop skills that are not only useful for the competition but for their future careers as well,” said Assoc. Prof. ChM Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Director of UMCares.
The program is designed to achieve multiple objectives, including igniting creativity and innovation through hands-on projects, shaping future entrepreneurs by inspiring students to explore business opportunities in sustainability, and building professional excellence through strategic thinking and teamwork. Beyond the technical skills, the competition aims to empower students with resilience, adaptability, and leadership—qualities that are critical for success in any field.
“This experience pushes us to think critically and work as a team. We are not just building a prototype—we are learning how to turn ideas into impact,” shared one of the past participants, reflecting on their journey.
Last year’s competition saw participation from 192 schools, with winning projects showcasing groundbreaking approaches to waste repurposing. This year, the stakes are even higher as students tackle energy sustainability, a pressing issue in today’s world. The most innovative projects will be rewarded with attractive prizes and national recognition, serving as motivation for students to push their limits and think beyond the ordinary.
DIY MADE SIMPLE 2025 represents a commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators who will shape Malaysia’s sustainable future. As students across the nation embark on this transformative journey, one thing is clear—the future of energy lies in the hands of those who dare to innovate.
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Further details about the program may be obtained at https://myumcares.um.edu.my/ or by contacting Mr. Muhammad Asyraf Mansor, UMCares Research Officer at [email protected]
-AsiaNewsToday
