Sekolah Menengah Setiabudi crowned DIY Made Simple 2025 Champion

4 September 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Sekolah Menengah Setiabudi in Kuala Lumpur has been awarded the title of champion at the DIY Made Simple 2025 competition, an annual nationwide programme designed to foster innovation and sustainability among Malaysian students. The school’s four-member team impressed the judges with their project, Huzz Buzz — eco-tiles (ekojubin) capable of capturing kinetic energy from footsteps to generate and store electricity, which can then be used to power small devices, improve school facilities, and promote greener practices.

Now in its ninth edition, the competition saw Sekolah Menengah Setiabudi Kuala Lumpur surpass 273 entries from 116 schools across the country at the Grand Final and Awards Ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur today.

Organised by Yayasan MR D.I.Y., the charitable arm of Malaysia’s largest home improvement retailer, MR D.I.Y. Group (M) Berhad, the DIY Made Simple competition is run in collaboration with the Community Engagement Centre at Universiti Malaya (UMCares) and the Faculty of the Built Environment at UM, with support from the Ministry of Education’s Sports, Co-Curriculum and Arts Division.

This year's theme, ‘Waste to Energy: Innovate for a Greener Future’, encouraged students to showcase practical solutions that convert solid waste into reusable energy sources, reducing costs whilst promoting sustainability. Examples include solar panels made from e-waste, electricity generators using plastic waste, LED lights powered by bio-batteries, small water turbines, batteries created from metal waste, and the production of hydrogen from wastewater.

During the awards ceremony, Zaleha Mohd Mydin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan MR D.I.Y., said, “DIY Made Simple is more than a competition — it is a platform that equips students with real-world skills and inspires young Malaysians to shape a sustainable future. For nine years, it has proven that education, creativity, and innovation go hand in hand. We are grateful to Universiti Malaya, the Ministry of Education, teachers, parents, and especially the students who bring these ideas to life.”

Commenting on the competition, Associate Professor Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Director of the Community Engagement Centre at Universiti Malaya, said, “‘DIY Made Simple’ is a true testament to the power of long-term collaboration. When different minds and organisations come together with a shared purpose, the results can be extraordinary. Year after year, we have witnessed a wealth of innovative ideas and creative projects across various themes, each raising the bar higher than before. It is vital for universities, government and non-government agencies, and corporations to unite in championing initiatives that bring lasting value to the community. By working together, we can create meaningful change that leaves a positive legacy for future generations.”

Winners and Prizes included the champions from Sekolah Menengah Setiabudi, Kuala Lumpur, who received RM4,000 in cash. Second place was awarded to SMK St Mary, Papar, Sabah, with RM3,000. Third place went to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tamparuli, Sabah, with RM2,000. Fourth place was claimed by SMK Puteri Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, which received RM1,000, and fifth place went to SMK Shahbandaraya, Klang, Selangor, with RM500. All five top teams also received RM300 MR D.I.Y. cash vouchers, certificates, and trophies.

Special awards were presented for the most-liked video on YouTube, won by Kruss Synergy from SMK Krubong, Melaka, who received RM500, and the most-interesting video on TikTok, also from Kruss Synergy, who also received RM500.

The Inspiration Award was bestowed upon several schools, including SMK Seksyen 18, Shah Alam; SMK Baru Bintulu, Sarawak; SMK Tunku Besa Burhanuddin, Kuala Pilah; SMK Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh; SMKA Durian Guling, Marang; SMK Tun Perak, Rawang; SMK Krubong, Melaka; SMK Luar Bandar, Miri; SMK St. Peter Kudat, Sabah; and SMK Baru Bintulu, Sarawak.

In recognition of state-level efforts, the Selangor State Education Department achieved first place for the highest participation, followed by the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Since its inception in 2017, DIY Made Simple has engaged over 8,000 students from 715 schools across Malaysia, with more than 5,000 project submissions to date. The competition continues to nurture innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills whilst championing sustainability.