Students from Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ), SMK Seri Kota Puteri 2 have claimed the First Place for the Best Idea Innovation Award at the Japan Youth Summit & International STEM Exposure Programme at Osaka Kyoiku University, Japan from 11th to 14th May 2026.
The achievement was shared by the chairman of Johor State Education and Information Committee, Aznan Tamin, through his Facebook post citing the competition was joined by 12 international delegations including the United States, China, Canada, Hong Kong and the ASEAN countries.
The SRBJ team, which consists of Farhah Azra binti Abdul Rahim, Muhammad Darwish bin Dhani Darmawi and Shreeniithi from Form 3 to Form 5, have embarked on an innovation project titled “Craytion” under the guidance of a teacher, Yogeshwari Chelliah.
“This project is an eco-friendly crayon innovation based on used cooking oil and natural dyes specially developed to support sensory therapy for children with autism through an inclusive and sustainable STEM education approach,” Aznan said in the post.
Craytion innovation is said to not only fulfills the elements of creativity and technology, but also carries a big message regarding environmental sustainability, inclusive education and community well-being in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 11 and 12.
“This proves that Johor children are not only capable of creating innovations, but are also capable of producing solutions that have a real impact on the world community,” he added.
Aznan cited the strong support of various parties including the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), the Johor State Government and the Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation (YRZSNJ) which has channeled funds of RM10,000 for the purpose of intensive training and competition preparation.
The delegation was led by the Principal of SMK Seri Kota Puteri 2, Siti Norbaya who ensured the students’ readiness was at the best level before competing on the international stage.
While in Japan, the SRBJ delegation was also given the opportunity to make an academic visit to the Kyoto University of Education to delve into the STEAM education approach and inquiry-based learning which are among the main practices of the world-class education system.
“This exposure is believed to be able to strengthen the culture of innovation and global thinking among Johor students in line with the state’s human capital development agenda,” he said.
Aznan congratulated all SRBJ residents, mentors, parents and all parties involved while also expressing his gratitude to Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor for his strong support in making Johor a success and improving the quality of Johor education while also extending the gratitude to Tunku Mahkota Ismail, HRH Crown Prince of Johor, Regent of Johor for the idea and inspiration of Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ).
“This success is proof that the Johor State Government’s investment in the SRBJ education agenda, STEM and the development of young people’s talents continue to be on the right track to produce a generation of Johorean who are competent, progressive and respected at the international level,” Aznan concluded his statement.
