Latest news with #ITEX
Observer
28-07-2025
- Science
- Observer
Omani Teens Turn Car Pollution into Industry Gold
In a lively classroom at Nuaim bin Masood School in Suhar, two young Omani students were busy turning heads — and changing the game. Omar bin Issa Al Barmani and Tamim bin Yousuf Al Maamari weren't just your average schoolkids; they had a brilliant idea that could shake up how we tackle pollution. Their invention? A device designed to feed on car exhaust fumes and turn them into a solid stuff that can be reused industrially. Yes, you read that right — pollution turned into something useful. The spark for their project came from something very local: Oman's own abundant rock called peridotite. Tamim, who's fascinated by remote-controlled aircraft, and Omar, a science whiz who scored an impressive 99.6% at school, started exploring how to use Oman's natural resources to solve a global problem — reducing harmful car emissions. Their device attaches to a car's exhaust pipe and contains peridotite, which, when heated and exposed to the gases, chemically reacts to form calcite — a crystalline mineral also known as calcium carbonate. Now, what's calcite? Think of it as a fancy form of limestone, a mineral you might find in caves or even used to make cement, paper, and paint. In industry, calcite is prized for its versatility: it can be crushed into powder for construction materials, used in paper manufacturing, or in plastics and paints. The idea isn't just to stop pollutants from escaping into the air, but to create something that can be repurposed, turning waste into a resource rather than a problem. This isn't just a random idea. It builds on research from Sultan Qaboos University, where scientists explored how injecting CO₂ (carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas) into underground rocks like peridotite causes the gas to be absorbed and turn into solid minerals. Omar and Tamim made this complex science practical, applying it to everyday vehicles. Their approach could help curb emissions at a global level — since transport is a major contributor to climate change, with millions of cars emitting pollutants worldwide. Their dedication paid off after two years of hard work, guided by their teacher, Majid Al Maqbali, and boosted by support from their school and government bodies. They even bagged first place in the environmental category at the international ITEX competition in Malaysia, beating stiff competition from hundreds of projects around the world. They also earned an encouragement award from Saudi Arabia's Tuwaiq Academy — proof that young minds have what it takes to make a difference on the global stage. Of course, the journey wasn't without hurdles. Juggling school and supervision, sourcing funding, and conducting experiments was no walk in the park. Their teacher, Majid, recalls long days and nights spent at school, balancing responsibilities like a pro. But he believes Omar and Tamim are "national treasures" — future innovators who need nurturing and support. Right now, the project is in the early stages of being picked up by companies, but no one has yet committed to rolling it out at scale. Still, their invention has huge potential. Imagine a world where car exhausts aren't just pollutants, but sources of useful materials — in construction, manufacturing, and beyond. It's an exciting glimpse into a greener, more resourceful future. As Majid and the students look ahead, they urge more young talent across Oman to dive into innovation. The tools are out there — online resources, summer programmes, and government support — all waiting to turn bright ideas into reality. Omar and Tamim's story isn't just about fixing cars; it's about proving that with the right mindset, young minds can drive meaningful change.
The Star
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Dejection turns to elation for two top SPM scorers, Dr Wee shares their joy in getting into matriculation
PETALING JAYA: Despite two heartbreaking rejections, it is good news for two bright 9A+ students after they finally got offers to study matriculation in a college in Pahang. The two students from SMK Tinggi St David in Melaka, Hiew Kai Xuan and Wang Yu Ze had earlier sought help from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong who raised their plight. The MCA president had received appeals from the straight 9A+ students with merit scores as high as 98.99 and 99.14 respectively but were rejected twice from the matriculation programme. But the news of their acceptance had made Dr Wee happy as he continues to champion the matriculation issue. 'Just received fantastic news that two top scorers from Melaka — Wang Yu Ze and Hiew Kai Xuan, who achieved straight 9A+ in their SPM, have finally secured placements in the matriculation programme! 'After being rejected twice, they were informed yesterday that they've officially been offered spots at a matriculation college in Pahang. 'I'm truly delighted by this outcome and would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to Wang Yu Ze and Hiew Kai Xuan,' said the Ayer Hitam MP on his Facebook post on Saturday (July 12). On July 4, Dr Wee, who has been at the forefront of highlighting the A- matriculation issue, pointed out that the students' achievements reflected both intellectual brilliance and well-rounded character. Both held leadership roles in school, actively contributed to co-curricular activities, represented their states at various levels, won a Gold Award at ITEX, and even emerged as second runner-up in the National Science and Mathematics Quiz, he added. He had also mentioned that an unfruitful appeal was sent to Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh. He later called on the Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to review the case of the two students while addressing the systemic flaw. Dr Wee stated that students like them represented around 86% of applicants who took only nine subjects for their SPM exams. He also called out the Education Minister for failing to account for or include this large group of high-achieving students. On June 30 last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that all students who obtained 10As and above in the SPM will be guaranteed a place in any matriculation programme regardless of race or locality But it was too late for the students to register for the 10th subject in the examinations as the registration process was already over in early 2024, he said. He added that he had constantly stressed that students who scored 9A+ should be given fair access to the matriculation programme as well. Dr Wee said many students put their hard work to achieve the highest possible grades in every subject they took. But at the same time, they were being punished for a technicality or weakness in the system they had no control over. He questioned the government's focus only on the 14% minority and neglected the majority of 86% applicants. Dr Wee also shared a link to the stories of these two students which was highlighted in his previous post at:
The Star
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Matriculation system is failing top students, says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: The current matriculation system is failing top students, according to MCA president Datuk Dr Seri Wee Ka Siong. "This week, I received heartbreaking appeals from two disappointed students from SMK Tinggi St David in Melaka, Hiew Kai Xuan and Wang Yu Ze. "Both achieved straight 9A+ with merit scores as high as 98.99 and 99.14 respectively, yet were rejected twice from the matriculation programme. "They held leadership roles in school, actively contributed to co-curricular activities, represented their states at various levels, won a Gold Award at ITEX, and even emerged as second runner-up in the National Science and Mathematics Quiz. "Their achievements reflect both intellectual brilliance and well-rounded character," he said in a Facebook post. Dr Wee mentioned that an appeal had been sent to the Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh but it was not fruitful. "I urge the Education Minister to urgently review these cases and address this systemic flaw. These students deserve not just a response, but a solution," he said. Dr Wee stated that students like them represented around 86% of applicants who took only nine subjects for their SPM exams, a fact confirmed by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. "She also stated that only 14% of the applicants took ten subjects. It is perplexing that the minister openly acknowledged this majority, yet the policy failed to account for or include this large group of high-achieving students. "When Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on June 30 last year that all students who obtained 10As and above in the SPM will be guaranteed a place in any matriculation programme regardless of race or locality, it was too late for the students to register for the 10th subject in the examinations as the registration process was already over in early 2024," he said. He added that he had constantly stressed that students who scored 9A+ should be given fair access to the matriculation programme as well. "These students did everything right by achieving the highest possible grades in every subject they took. "However, they are now being punished for a technicality or weakness in the system they had no control over. "Why did the Government focus only on the 14% minority and neglect the majority of 86% applicants?" he said.
Qatar Tribune
01-06-2025
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
Two Qatari innovators clinch first place at ITEX in Malaysia
QNA Doha Qatari innovators Amna Issa Al Kuwari and Fatima Issa Al Kuwari clinched first place and the gold medal in the individual category during their participation in the 36th International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX), recently held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This crowning achievement was the outcome of an innovative concept and rigorous research efforts, culminating in the development of a smart bracelet designed to prevent drowsiness-induced traffic accidents. The device functions by detecting early signs of fatigue and issuing immediate alerts to drivers, thereby bolstering road safety and curbing accident rates. The project aligns squarely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. The two innovators touted this milestone and affirmed that the win reflects their love for science and development, an organic outcome of their diligent work and the significant support young Qataris receive from the prudent leadership. Both winners highlighted the energized efforts made by the Qatar Scientific Club in providing technological support, which helped advance this innovation throughout the implementation phases, commencing with the idea and culminating in the prototype phase. This smart bracelet has so far received local and international awards, thereby confirming its effectiveness in fostering traffic safety and highlighting the growing creative capabilities of Qatar's young people on the global stage.
Muscat Daily
31-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani inventors win three medals at ITEX in Malaysia
Muscat – Oman won one silver and two gold medals at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2025) held in Kuala Lumpur that concluded on May 31. Badr bin Salim al Muqbali received a gold medal for his invention – a remote controlled device to operate a ring-bonding unit. Earlier, he won the Best Innovator Award presented by the Bunyan Foundation in Saudi Arabia. The second gold for Oman was claimed by Malak bint Khalifa al Harthi for her project involving a Portland cement composite reinforced with carbon nanoplates, proposed for use as dental filling. The silver medal was won by Yusra bint Yousef al Ghadani for her project titled 'Squid ink water filter'. Amna bint Ali al Siyabi, Research and Innovation Capacity Building Specialist at Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, described ITEX is a major international platform that allows young inventors to develop their ideas, connect with peers worldwide, and present their innovations to investors across sectors including medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, construction and energy. According to al Amna, the ministry received 59 applications for participation in ITEX this year. Twenty projects were shortlisted and assessed by a specialised jury, with the top three chosen to represent Oman based on creativity, feasibility and potential global impact. ITEX is held annually and brings together inventors, startups, investors and entrepreneurs from across Asia and Europe. This year's event featured over 1,000 inventions from more than 20 countries, offering opportunities for funding and industry exposure.
