SMK Lake students win BrightSparX with eco-friendly oil-spill solution

The SMK Lake team from Bau emerged victorious at the 2026 Premier’s BrightSparX Innovation Award, winning the overall championship for their eco-friendly solution to marine oil spills. Their innovative project converts local agricultural waste into natural sorbents, which can effectively absorb oil while remaining buoyant on water.

This sustainable alternative to non-biodegradable clean-up materials provides a cost-effective way to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable waste management. SMK Lake’s achievement also earned them the ‘Changemaker Award’. The secondary finals involved 15 teams out of the 45 that competed in the secondary school category, out of 100 teams participating statewide.

SMK Lanang in Sibu secured second place with their project, the ‘Communicator Award’, while SMK Lanang 1 came in fourth, receiving the ‘Sparkle Award’. Lanang 2 was named the ‘Fan Favourite’ after a public vote. STEM Dream Team from SMK Lutong in Miri placed third, and The Clique from SMK Sungai Tapang in Samarahan took fifth position, receiving the second Sparkle Award.

Another project from SMK Marudi in Baram aimed at reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and addressing soil degradation, using Effective Microorganisms (EM) to ferment kitchen organic waste into bio-fertilizers and specialized planting mediums. Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg awarded the Top 3 teams during the official launch of Sarawak’s SHInE International Conference, which attracted over 500 international participants.

Abang Johari emphasized the importance of STEM education and research in Sarawak’s development, highlighting the investments aimed at nurturing young individuals with skills, creativity, and technological capabilities. SRDC general manager Dr Peter Morin Nissom noted that the BrightSparX competition is not just about winning trophies but instilling scientific curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to data-based research, which will have a lifelong impact on the students.

Applications are now open for the 2027 BrightSparX programme, which will select 150 teams from upper primary and secondary schools across Sarawak to participate as cadets.