Sabahan Schools made their presence felt in the 2024 DIY Made Simple competition

18 August 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: SMK Tinggi St. David of Bukit Baru, Melaka was named champion of the 2024 DIY Made Simple competition, trumping 590 entries from 192 schools, recently.

SMK St Peter Kudat (M), Kudat, Sabah was in second place with a cash award of RM3,000.

SMK Seri Panching, Kuantan, Pahang came in third, receiving RM2,000 in cash; SMK Merapok, Lawas, Sarawak, was fourth with RM1,000 in cash, and SMA Persekutuan Kajang, Kajang, Selangor was fifth with RM500 in cash.

In addition, each team also received MR D.I.Y. cash vouchers worth RM300 a certificate, and a trophy.

Maahad Tahfiz Negeri Pahang, Kuantan, and SMK Tinggi St. David were awarded RM500 in cash each for having the most-liked competition videos on YouTube and TikTok respectively.

Consolation prizes of RM300 in MR D.I.Y. cash vouchers, a certificate, and a trophy were awarded to SMK St. Mary, Limbahau, Papar, SMK Kunak Jaya, Kunak, SMK Tasek Utara, Johor Bharu, Johor, SMK Shahbandaraya, Klang, Selangor, SMJK Phor Tay, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, SMA Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur, SMK Muadzam Shah, Muadzam Shah, Pahang, Kolej Vokasional Sepang, Dengkil, Selangor, SMK Air Merah, Kulim, Kedah and SMK Convent (M) Kajang, Kajang, Selangor, with two participating teams.

The theme of this year’s competition, “Wonder Waste Creations: Paper and Plastic Edition”, called for students to enhance school facilities by using waste paper and plastic materials wisely to cut costs and promote sustainability.

SMK Tinggi St. David’s entry, titled “Simple Shoe Cleaner 1.0”, is designed to clean the students’ shoe soles of dirt and grass after physical education classes.

This clever and creative innovation is crafted from compressed paper pieces, epoxy, melted bottle caps, and plastic bottles. It wipes away dirt and grass with ease enabling students to enter classrooms with clean shoes.

‘DIY Made Simple’ is an annual nationwide competition organised by Malaysia’s largest home improvement retailer MR D.I.Y. Group [M] Berhad [MR D.I.Y.], in partnership with Universiti Malaya’s Community Engagement Centre [UMCares] and the UM Faculty of Built Environment, with the support of the Ministry of Education’s Sports, Co-Curriculum, and Arts Division.

This year, MR D.I.Y’s philanthropic arm Yayasan MR D.I.Y. became a partner in the initiative.

At the prize-giving ceremony held at the Auditorium Kompleks Perdana Siswa Universiti Malaya, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. Chief Executive Officer, Zaleha Mohd Mydin said, “We believe that the spirit of sustainability must be instilled in young Malaysians if we are to safeguard our planet for generations to come.

Our aim in hosting the DIY Made Simple competition is to build a strong and sustainable understanding of and appreciation of how the process of reducing, reusing, recycling, and upcycling can have a positive impact on different built environments, particularly in schools, where children spend a significant amount of time.”

“We are very proud of how this programme has flourished since it was launched in 2017. We believe that the programme will create a ripple effect across the nation, and act as a catalyst for positive change,” she added.

Zaleha extended her thanks to the different organisations involved in the competition, saying that the success of the programme was a result of MR D.I.Y’s strong collaboration with Universiti Malaya, the Ministry of Education, and the unwavering dedication of students, teachers, and parents.

“The submissions we received are both exceptional and inspiring, which assures me that Malaysia's future in sustainability is shining bright. Kudos to every one of you.

Also commending the participants was Associate Professor Dr. Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin, Director of the Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre, who said, “DIY Made Simple is a unique competition that plays a crucial role in sparking creativity and fostering innovation. It equips the younger generation with essential skills and competencies to thrive in a globalised world.”

The ‘DIY Made Simple’ initiative exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration and unwavering commitment among partners dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the community. It is essential for universities, government agencies, industries, NGOs, and the media to unite and support one another in effectively implementing initiatives that generate significant results for the community. “Together, we can make a real difference,” he stated.

The programme also celebrated the achievements of state education departments that have successfully driven participation from their regions. The Perak State Education Department secured first place, followed closely by the departments from Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Johor.

Since its inception in 2017, the DIY Made Simple competition has engaged over 6,200 students from 715 schools nationwide, resulting in a remarkable 1,242 project submissions to date. In 2022, MR D.I.Y. announced its commitment to continue the partnership with UM for an additional three years, covering the 2023-2025 competitions