Team members of SMK Tamparuli are all smiles with their grand RM50,000 prize for winning Petronas AAY 2015.
KUALA LUMPUR: SMK Tamparuli of Tuaran, Sabah, emerged the winner of at the grand finale here recently.
The school’s team walked away with the RM50,000 grand prize for its refurbishment fund, while each team member got RM1,000 deposited into their National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) accounts, on top of other prizes worth RM200.
The prize presentation ceremony on Tuesday night was performed by Education director-general Datuk Seri Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof together with Petronas president and group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin.
The event also hosted Petronas Talent Development Programme rider, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, who shared his experience with the finalists and guests.
The SMK Tamparuli team earned their win through ‘Awas! Bahaya Di Hadapan’ (Caution! Danger Ahead) – a flood alert system installed at the low-lying Tamparuli Bridge slated for the safety and convenience of people commuting across it.
The structure, built during Colonial era, is frequently flooded during heavy rain; thus, posing risks to motorists. The mechanism devised by SMK Tamparuli team involves a sensor that automatically activates the LED signboards at both ends of the bridge to flash ‘Awas! Bahaya di Hadapan’.
The system also links up with the nearest police station, in which it alerts duty officers to close the bridge should the water rises to a dangerous level.
“We are delighted by this win. We thank the local authorities, teachers, parents and everyone from the community for their support.
“We are grateful to Petronas for the opportunity that unleashes so much hidden potential in our students. I believe this
programme has done well in building positive character and social awareness towards creating a responsible and caring generation for the future,” said SMK Tamparuli principal Kusdi Ribut.
The first runner-up was SMK St Teresa from Kuching, Sarawak, of which each team member received SSPN funds of RM800 and prizes worth RM200. The all-girl school impressed the judges with ‘Rimang Rami’ – a project that makes use of an idle land as the setup for a community park, equipped with recreational facilities that are safe and functional.
At third place was the team from SMK Padang Midin of Kuala Terengganu. Each member received SSPN funds of RM600
and prizes worth RM200.
The brought in the concept of ‘Warung Santalia’ – a creative way to transform an abandoned security surveillance hut into a hub for senior citizens, single mothers and youths to use as a stall to sell homemade cakes, local dishes and burgers.
In his remarks, Wan Zulkiflee congratulated all finalists for putting together such an innovative and impactful lineup
of projects slated for their respective communities.
“It is in our DNA to continuously empower the community through education and capability building. Over the years, Petronas has be carrying out countless capability and character-building programmes for school children through experiential learning outside the classroom, as part as our CSR (corporate social responsibility).
“When we first set up the programme, Petronas wanted to empower youths to be the catalyst and driving force in creating positive changes in their communities and the nation – the AAY is a testament to that commitment.
“We strongly believe that the programme would nurture a wholesome next generation and create a positive environment for our young ambassadors to realise their full potential,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Khair lauded Petronas’ effort in empowering youths, adding: “The AAY programme is an example for other corporations to emulate in developing impactful CSR initiatives. I believe the concept of youth empowerment that forms the backbone of this programme would be a trendsetter for the future.”
The Petronas AAY is designed to nurture students’ talents, leadership, thinking and presentation skills through projects that address the needs of their community and environment.
This year’s competition involves participation from 1,800 Form 4 students from 90 schools across Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Melaka, Terengganu and Kelantan.
The programme kicked off with boot camps at respective states, followed by the award of RM2,000 start-up fund for each school to complete their projects within six weeks.
The teams presented their final projects at the state-level judging in August and were evaluated based on creativity, clarity of presentation, impact, originality and project sustainability.