The annual “DIY Made Simple” competition is back for its ninth edition, inviting secondary schools across Malaysia to participate in an exciting challenge aimed at creating sustainable solutions. With the theme “Waste to Energy: Innovate for a Greener Future,” the competition encourages students to explore ways to convert solid waste into valuable energy, addressing the growing waste problem in the country while supporting the transition to greener energy.
As Malaysia faces an increasing volume of waste, the “Waste to Energy” (WTE) approach provides an innovative solution. By converting waste into usable energy, this approach helps reduce landfill pressure and contributes to sustainable energy production, aligning with national energy and environmental policies. This initiative also supports Malaysia’s target of achieving a 40% recycling rate by 2025.
This year’s theme invites students to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation by finding new ways to turn waste into energy. Some potential ideas include:
- Solar panels made from electronic waste
- Electric generators powered by plastic waste
- LED lights that run on bio-batteries
- Mini turbines generated from wastewater
- Batteries constructed from metal waste
- Hydrogen production from wastewater treatment
These inventive solutions offer a glimpse into the future of waste management and green energy. The competition empowers students to think critically and creatively to address pressing environmental issues while developing skills in science, technology, and sustainability.
As part of the competition, MR D.I.Y. offers attractive rewards for the top-performing teams. The champion team will receive RM4,000 in cash, while the second-place team will earn RM3,000 and the third-place team will receive RM2,000. Additionally, the fourth and fifth-place teams will win RM1,000 and RM500, respectively. All finalists will also be awarded RM300 in MR D.I.Y. cash vouchers, a digital certificate, and a trophy to commemorate their achievements.
A special cash prize of RM500 will be awarded to the team whose competition video receives the most likes on YouTube, adding an engaging social media element to the competition.
Schools interested in entering the competition have until 8 May 2025 to submit their entries. A panel of esteemed judges, including representatives from Universiti Malaya (UM), Yayasan MR D.I.Y., and the Ministry of Education (MOE), will evaluate the submissions and shortlist the top 16 schools. These schools will then collaborate with lecturers from UM’s Faculty of Built Environment to develop and refine their projects, which will be showcased at the final judging event in August at Universiti Malaya.
The “DIY Made Simple” competition is a collaboration between Yayasan MR D.I.Y., Universiti Malaya’s Community Engagement Centre (UMCares), and the Faculty of Built Environment, with support from the Ministry of Education’s Sports, Co-Curriculum, and Arts Division. By joining forces, these institutions aim to inspire students to become change-makers in the fields of sustainability and environmental innovation.
For more information and to register for the competition, visit the official competition page at DIY Made Simple Registration. Stay connected with MR D.I.Y. through their website and social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
This competition not only provides a platform for students to demonstrate their skills but also plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of innovators who will help build a greener and more sustainable future.
