SK Timbua Ranau wins four awards at International Science and Invention Fair 2024

14 November 2024

RANAU: A student-teacher team from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Timbua in Ranau has made Malaysia proud by winning four prestigious awards at the recently concluded International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF) 2024, held in Bali, Indonesia.

The team secured the Gold Medal (Champion) in the Mathematics Elementary School category, the Special Award from the Indonesia Young Scientist Association, the MIICA Best Innovation Award, and the Honorary Best Judge Award from SPIDER Singapore, all for their innovative project, the MADOX Project.

Organized by the Indonesia Young Scientist Association (IYSA) at the Bali Creative Centre in Denpasar from November 5–10, ISIF 2024 featured participation from 28 countries, including Russia, Vietnam, Iran, China, Mexico, and Nigeria.

The MADOX Project, which stands for "Mathematics Digital Games based on Roblox," is an innovative initiative designed to engage students with interactive digital challenges that enhance problem-solving and Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS).

By leveraging the gaming platform Roblox, the project teaches foundational math concepts while integrating AI, including ChatGPT, to provide real-time guidance, feedback, and personalised support for students.

Moreover, MADOX incorporates shapes and geometry inspired by Bornean cultural motifs, allowing students to create designs based on local patterns.

Students build virtual spaces, such as a Bornean village, applying geometric concepts like symmetry and transformations.

This unique approach fuses math learning, digital skills and cultural appreciation, making lessons both engaging and relevant to students' heritage.

"This project captures the spirit of excellence in education. Through the integration of AI, mathematics, and Bornean culture, our students have learned not only to solve math problems but also to use technology to shape their future and honour their heritage," said team member Hallsen Justin, who also received the Honorary Best Judge Award at ISIF 2024 and is an Edufluencer 3.0 with the Education Ministry.

SK Timbua Headmaster Rusdi Tamit expressed immense pride in the students and teachers who made the MADOX Project a success.

“These students, from rural Ranau, have proven that with the right tools and support, they can excel in technology and mathematics. I also want to thank (Kundasang Assemblyman) Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, teachers, parents and Puan Barizah Kahar of the Ranau District Education Office (PPD) for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice in supporting our students. Their dedication has been crucial in making this achievement possible,” he said.

Joachim, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister II cum Local Government and Housing Minister, extended his congratulations to the team and school for their remarkable achievement.

“We are very proud of the outstanding accomplishment of the SK Timbua students and teachers. I hope they will continue to achieve more successes in the future,” he said.