The Science Castle Grant 2025 Ajinomoto Malaysia Berhad: Empowering More Young Innovators Across Malaysia
[Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, 15 May 2025] – In a shared mission to cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders in Malaysia, Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (LNSMY) in collaboration with Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad (AMB) officially launched the Science Castle Grant (SCG) 2025 at a grand award ceremony held at the Ajinomoto Malaysia Factory in Bandar Enstek.
The event marked a significant milestone in advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at the grassroots level, with the announcement of ten selected secondary schools across Malaysia that will receive funding, mentorship, and technical guidance to embark on their very own student-led research projects.
Strengthening Science Education Through Industry Collaboration
The Science Castle Grant is an initiative aimed at supporting Malaysian high school students to carry out original research projects aligned with real-world themes such as food innovation, health and wellness, and environmental sustainability. This year marks the third cycle of the program and a notable expansion from 5 to 10 participating schools, reflecting the increasing impact and reach of the initiative.
Science Castle Grant 2025 research theme
The 2025 edition also features enhanced mentoring modules involving both Leave a Nest science communicators and Ajinomoto researchers, providing students with comprehensive guidance throughout the research journey.
Full-Day Engagement to Inspire and Equip Young Researchers
The launch event kicked off with a welcoming session and speeches from key representatives of both organizations, followed by a gimmick opening ceremony symbolizing the official commencement of the grant cycle. Each selected school received a framed certificate and a research plan board, marking their formal entry into the SCG 2025 cohort.
The workshop on sensory evaluation introduced students to analytical methods of taste testing and food product development, reinforcing the link between scientific theory and application.
Opening remarks by Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr Abdul Hakim
Mr. Daisaku Wadami Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB expresses his inspiration to support young researchers
Science Castle Grant 2025 Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad officially launched
Ten Schools Selected for Science Castle Grant 2025
Following a rigorous application and interview process earlier this year, the following schools were selected based on the creativity, feasibility, and social relevance of their proposed research ideas:
- SMK Bako, Sarawak
- SMK Bau, Sarawak
- SMK Lundu, Sarawak
- SMK Asyakirin Bintulu, Sarawak
- SM St. Michael, Sabah
- SMK Seri Berang, Terengganu
- SMK Tumpat, Kelantan
- SMK Taman Pelangi Indah, Johor
- SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya (A), Selangor
- Maktab Tentera Diraja, Kuala Lumpur
The students and teachers from SMK Bako, Sarawak posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SMK Bau, Sarawak posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SMK Lundu, Sarawak posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SMK Lundu, Sarawak posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SMK Asyakirin Bintulu, Sarawak posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SM St. Micheal, Sabah posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SMK Seri Berang, Terengganu posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SMK Tumpat, Kelantan posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SMK Taman Pelangi, Johor posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya (A), Selangor posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from Maktab Tentera Diraja, KL posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Daisaku Wadami, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
Each team will receive RM2,000 in research funding, in addition to a structured 5-month mentorship program, which includes monthly online sessions, two physical mentoring visits (in July and September), and support to attend Science Castle Asia 2025, where students will present their final research outcomes to a regional audience.
Science castle grant 2025 journey
Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Scientific Ecosystem
Through this program, Leave a Nest Malaysia envisions the development of a long-term ecosystem where students are encouraged to explore problems in their communities, design experiments, and propose data-driven solutions. Beyond the classroom, the initiative also fosters school-industry engagement and offers students the opportunity to gain insights into real-world careers in science and R&D.