Osaka: A delegation from Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ), Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seri Kota Puteri 2, Masai, has made a historic breakthrough by winning the Best Idea Innovation Award at the Japan Youth Summit and International Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Exposure Programme held at Osaka Kyoiku University, Japan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin highlighted that the four-day competition, which began last Monday, saw the participation of 12 international delegations from countries including the United States, China, Canada, and Hong Kong. The project, titled 'Craytion', is an eco-friendly crayon innovation made from used cooking oil and natural dyes, developed to support sensory therapy for children with autism through an inclusive and sustainable STEM education approach.

The 'Craytion' project was developed by a team consisting of Form Three to Form Five students Farhah Azra Abdul Rahim, Muhammad Darwish Dhani Darmawi, and Shreeniithi, under the guidance of teacher C Yogeshwari. Aznan emphasized that the project not only embodies creativity and technology but also conveys a message on environmental sustainability, inclusive education, and community well-being, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 11, and 12.

Aznan remarked that this achievement proves that Johor students are capable of creating innovations and producing solutions with a global impact. The success was supported by the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), the state government, and Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ), which contributed RM10,000 for intensive training and preparation.

The delegation, led by principal Siti Norbayah Jema'at, also visited Kyoto University of Education to gain insights into the STEAM education approach and inquiry-based learning. This exposure is expected to strengthen the culture of innovation and global thinking among students, aligning with the state's human capital development agenda.

Aznan expressed gratitude to the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, for his inspiration and concern for education in the state, and appreciated the efforts of Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to improve the quality of education in Johor. He stated that this success demonstrates that investments in the SRBJ education agenda, STEM, and youth talent development are yielding results, creating a competent and respected generation of Bangsa Johor at an international level.