Celebrating Excellence: Our Students Win Best in Malaysia at the Cambridge Upper Secondary Science Competition 2024

Celebrating Excellence: Our Students Win Best in Malaysia at the Cambridge Upper Secondary Science Competition 2024

We are excited to announce that our talented students – Eugene Rhee, Jingyi Wu (Jenny), and Wushuang Lou (Shine) – have achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Best in Malaysia 2024 award at the prestigious Cambridge Upper Secondary Science Competition. Their “How to Minimize Microplastic Released from Synthetic Fabrics During Washing” project showcased their exceptional scientific inquiry, teamwork, and commitment to addressing real-world environmental challenges.

 

The competition provided a platform for young minds to explore global issues through scientific investigation, and our students rose to the challenge with outstanding dedication. Their project focused on the pressing issue of microplastic pollution caused by synthetic fabrics, particularly in the context of the fast fashion industry. The team examined the impact of fabric types, dye pH levels, and detergent choices on microplastic release during washing through meticulous research and experimentation.

Their investigation included the following:

  • Analysing seven different fabric types to understand how synthetic fibres degrade during washing.
  • Exploring the effects of natural and chemical detergents, highlighting the environmental benefits of enzyme-based detergents.
  • Studying how dyeing fabrics at different pH levels affects microplastic shedding and identifying optimal conditions to minimise pollution.

The judges commended Eugene, Jenny, and Shine for their work’s depth, relevance, and scientific rigour, describing it as “a brilliant project tackling a global concern.” While noting the impressive scope of their study, the judges also highlighted the team’s ability to present robust conclusions based on quantitative data.

 

This achievement reflects the students’ passion for science, creativity in problem- solving, and determination to contribute to a sustainable future. Their success was not only a result of their hard work but also of their collaborative spirit. Each team member played a crucial role, ensuring their efforts were well-coordinated and impactful.

 

“As their mentor, I am incredibly proud of their growth throughout this journey. Their accomplishment is a testament to the potential of young scientists to address complex environmental challenges with innovative solutions”, Mr. Madhiyalagan Krishnan, Head of Science.

 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Eugene, Jenny, and Shine on this outstanding achievement. Their success inspires our entire school community and highlights the importance of fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility in future generations.