Leave a Nest Collaborates with Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad to Introduce Inaugural Science Castle Grant in Malaysia
[2 May 2024, Bandar Enstek] – Leave a Nest Group (LVNS), in collaboration with Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad (AMB), proudly introduces the inaugural Science Castle Grant in Malaysia. This initiative aligns with the upcoming Science Castle in Asia 2024, aimed at supporting school research projects across the nation.
The Science Castle Grant's primary objective is to nurture seeds of innovation, emphasizing our commitment to global sustainability through active contributions. This initiative also stands as an integral part of the ASV (Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value) initiative, dedicated to making meaningful societal contributions. Five key research themes have been identified for this grant, including Sustainable Food Products Using Local Materials, Innovation in Health and Well-Being Products Using Local Materials, Food Deliciousness, Food Packaging, and Food Waste Management.
Leave a Nest extends our heartfelt gratitude to AMB for graciously hosting the Award Ceremony last Thursday at Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad Manufacturing in Bandar Enstek Nilai. The ceremony was also attended online by Dr. Yukihiro Maru, Founder and Group CEO of Leave a Nest Group, along with awardees, teachers, AMB staff, and Leave a Nest members.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from the emcee, followed by a brief introduction to Science Castle in Asia and the Science Castle Grant. Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi, Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, in his speech, encouraged students to pursue their research endeavors passionately. The ceremony was followed by a speech by Mr. Riichiro Osawa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad, which emphasized the ASV values and the grant's thematic focus.
Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi shouts out the line ‘Saa Kenkyuda' (Let's do research) to encourage all awardees to continue their research endeavors
Mr. Riichiro Osawa shares his experience of joining the first Science Castle in Asia last October and expresses his inspiration to support young researchers.
Out of a total of 103 applications received, five high schools were carefully selected based on the quality and potential impact of their proposed research projects. These chosen schools were awarded a grant worth RM2,000 each to facilitate the execution of their research initiatives. Over the course of five months, the selected schools will embark on their respective research journeys with guidance and mentorship from both AMB and Leave a Nest researchers, who will offer their expertise and support to ensure the success of the projects.
The recipients of the Science Castle Grant 2024 Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad Award are as follows:
| Theme | Research Title | School | |
| 1 | Sustainable Food Product using Local Materials | Cornwaste to Cornkies | SM Sains Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra |
| 2 | Innovation in Health & Well-being Product using Local Materials | Enhancing Rice Preservation and Quality Through Saccharified Enzyme Activity from Sugarcane Bagasse and Rice Husk:
An Innovative Approach |
SMK Convent Jalan Peel |
| 3 | Food Packaging | Ecoguard: Exploring the Thermal and Cushioning Properties of Luffa Gourd, Coconut Husks, Newspaper, and Their Application in Food Packaging | SMK Sultan Ismail |
| 4 | Food Deliciousness | Utilization of Rastrelliger SP and Durio Zibethinus Seeds to Make Nutritious and Delicious Lekor Biduan | Indonesian School of Kuala Lumpur |
| 5 | Food Waste Management | Turning Fruit Waste into Sugar:
A New Alternative to Reduce Malaysia’s Sugarcane Production |
Tunku Kurshiah College |
The students and teachers from SMK Convent Jalan Peel posed with their awards, joining the AMB mentors, Ms. Tan Ee Wen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Riichiro Osawa, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from SM Sains Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Riichiro Osawa, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from Tunku Kurshiah College posed with their awards, joining the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Riichiro Osawa, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from Indonesian School of Kuala Lumpur posed with their awards, joining the AMB mentors Mr. Mohammad Faiz Hizzuan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Riichiro Osawa, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
The students and teachers from Indonesian School of Kuala Lumpur posed with their awards, joining the AMB mentors Mr. Muhamad Ekhwan Hakim Esa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMB, Mr. Riichiro Osawa, and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Hakim Bin Sahidi.
After the award ceremony, the awardees also had the chance to visit the factory and join the sensory workshop organized by Leave a Nest. During the workshop, they were exposed to sensory evaluation tests, which included the triangle test, sensitivity test, and sensory threshold test. These tests were fundamental for students, especially those whose research involved the sensory evaluation of food products.
Awardees and teachers participating in the AMB gallery and factory tour.
For more information about the Science Castle Grant and upcoming events please join our Facebook Page or please contact Dr. Ezral Ghazali at [email protected]
Photo Credit: Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad