SMK Lutong’s Hopecore Crowned Winner Of Shell NXplorers Malaysia 2025 Sarawak Challenge
Kuching – Innovation took centre stage as SMK Lutong’s Hopecore was awarded the state champion title at the Shell NXplorers Malaysia 2025 Sarawak Challenge. This STEM competition by Shell strives to empower students to drive solutions to real-world challenges in the food-water-energy nexus. Meanwhile, Theory from SMK Bandar Bintulu followed closely behind as first runner-up.


Both these teams will represent Sarawak at the national Shell NXplorers Malaysia challenge, which will take place next month.
"I’m truly inspired by the creativity and ingenuity shown by all our dynamic finalists. Their solutions are a powerful reminder of how early exposure to STEM can shape the next generation of leaders who are not only innovative but deeply committed to building a more sustainable future. At Shell, we remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in youth and equipping them with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to grow as future innovators, engineers, and sustainability changemakers,” shared Jonathan Jolly, General Manager for Corporate Relations – East Malaysia, Shell Malaysia.
Hopecore comprising Lee Sun, Leann Yii Zhen and Lukesh Murugayah came up with Signify. This invention aims to enhance communication between deaf students and the hearing community in Malaysian schools. Recognising the shortage of certified sign language interpreters and the resulting communication barriers, the team developed a web-based application that translates Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM) into text and speech, and vice versa. Built using NXthinking tools, the app is accessible on multiple devices and offers an affordable, scalable, and sustainable solution. It also promotes inclusivity and improves accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community across Malaysia.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Shell for the opportunity to be part of this programme, which has opened our eyes to the power of creative thinking and collaboration. These experiences have helped us better understand the real-world challenges we face today and how we, as students, can be part of the solution. We’re thrilled to represent our school and state at the national challenge, and we’re determined to make them proud," said the enthusiastic members of Hopecore.
The first runner-up team, Theory from SMK Bandar Bintulu, which has Chloe Wong Shi Yi, Jordan Tieh Sieng Tai and Ephraim Wong Kung Xin came up with Flood Eye. Their invention is a smart flood monitoring system designed for Bandar Jaya to provide early warnings during heavy rainfall. It uses an ESP32 with sensors to detect intensity of rainfall and measure water levels, while LEDs and buzzer to indicate danger, an LCD display also show real-time status. An ESP32-CAM streams live video for remote monitoring. This project helps residents prepare earlier, reduce damage, and stay safe — "Real time alert, real life safety.”
Additionally, the Most Innovative Award went to IOT (Intelligence of Technology) from SMK Baru Bintulu for their invention, Aware Baby. This project introduces a smart safety device to prevent toddlers from being accidentally left in vehicles. A piezoelectric sensor embedded in the baby seat cushion detects and monitors occupancy. If the vehicle is turned off while a child is still detected, the system instantly alerts the guardian via a smartwatch and our connected mobile app. The app provides notifications and reminders to ensure prompt awareness. By combining real-time monitoring with accessible alerts, this solution reduces the risk of heatstroke or harm from children being left unattended in cars.
This year, eight schools competed in Shell NXplorers Malaysia’s Sarawak challenge. The participating schools are inclusive of SMK Bau, SMK Bandar Bintulu, SMK Baru Bintulu, SMK Bintulu, SMK Kemena, SMK Lutong, SMK Pujut and SMK Taman Tunku.
The judges for the day were Professor Dr Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean School of Engineering & Science, Curtin University Malaysia; Law Sie Siek, SISC+ Officer (Maths & Science), Miri District Education Office and Jonathan Jolly, General Manager for Corporate Relations – East Malaysia, Shell Malaysia
With the backing of the Ministry of Education, Shell NXplorers Malaysia engaged over 318 secondary school students from 29 schools nationwide. These students had the exciting opportunity to dive into hands-on STEM learning, with a strong emphasis on technology. In Sarawak alone, 111 students were selected, and a peer-to-peer sharing initiative was introduced to spread knowledge across a wider community of around 1000 students from all participating schools.
Shell NXplorers is a dynamic global education initiative that empowers young minds to tackle the complex challenges of today’s world. By equipping them with essential tools, methodologies, and skills, we inspire the next generation to become agents of change. Through collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches, they learn to solve real-world problems and make a meaningful impact.
To learn more on Shell NXplorers Malaysia, click here.
Enquiries
Prema Jayabalan
Manager, Media Relations,
Shell Malaysia
Prema.Jayabalan@Shell.com
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