SM St. Michael, Sabah Named Grand Winner of Science Castle Grant 2025 Ajinomoto Malaysia Berhad at Science Castle Asia 2025

Cyberjaya, Malaysia [20 October 2025] — The Science Castle Grant (SCG) 2025 Ajinomoto Malaysia Berhad concluded successfully during the Science Castle Asia 2025 (SCA2025) held at Multimedia University (MMU), Cyberjaya, where SM St. Michael, Sabah was named the Grand Winner of the Science Castle Grant 2025 Ajinomoto Malaysia Berhad.

The Science Castle Asia 2025, organised by Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., gathered over 300 student researchers from 10 countries across Asia, serving as a platform for young innovators to present research addressing real-world challenges. Among the highlights of the event was the culmination of the Science Castle Grant 2025, a research support programme sponsored by Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad, empowering Malaysian secondary school students to conduct hands-on scientific research.

Throughout the programme, ten selected recipient schools received research funding, mentorship, and training to strengthen their scientific inquiry and presentation skills. The journey included proposal development, mentorship sessions, and final presentations, leading to the final pitch at SCA2025, where each team showcased their research outcomes before a panel of judges.

 

List of Science Castle Grant 2025 Recipients

1. OA1 – SMK Bako (Sarawak)
   Project Title: O₂ Revolution: Green Oxygen for Super-Growth Plants! 
2. OA2 – Maktab Tentera Diraja (Selangor)
   Project Title: Assessing the Efficacy and Adoption of Frass-Based Tablet Fertilizer in Urban Hydroponic System for Leafy Vegetable Production 
3. OA3 – SMK Seri Berang (Terengganu)
   Project Title: GarLoaf Ecopack – Exploring the Potential of Garlic Peel (Allium sativum) and Expired Bread in the Development of Secondary Food Packaging 
4. OA4 – SM St. Michael (Sabah) (Grand Winner)
   Project Title: GlycoSmart Rice: A Revolutionary Innovation Enhanced with Saba Green Banana Resistant Starch 
5. OA5 – SMK Asyakirin Bintulu (Sarawak)
   Project Title: Development of STREX: A Device for Monitoring Muscle Activity During Stretching 
6. OA6 – SMK Lundu (Sarawak)
   Project Title: HydraBorneo: Evaluation and Development on Formulation of Healthier Isotonic Drinks Using Local Ingredients 
7. OA7 – SMK Tumpat (Kelantan)
   Project Title: JACKMALT 
8. OA8 – SMK Bau (Sarawak)
   Project Title: Exploring the Potential of Terap Starch (Artocarpus odoratissimus) and Engkabang Butter (Shorea macrophylla) in the Development of a Sustainable and Healthy Breakfast Bar 
9. OA9 – SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya (A) (Selangor)
   Project Title: Superfood Fusion: Nutrient-Rich Sweet Potato and Spinach Noodles for Health and Sustainability
10. OA10 – SMK Taman Pelangi Indah (Johor) Project Title: OnioNourish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The team from SM St. Michael, Sabah demonstrated exceptional research quality and innovative thinking, earning the top recognition in this year’s competition. Their project stood out for its originality, feasibility, and contribution to improving food quality through biotechnology, reflecting the true spirit of the Science Castle initiative.

As the Grand Winner of SCG2025, SM St. Michael  will join Science Castle World 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, this December. In addition, the team will have the unique opportunity to visit the Ajinomoto Factory in Japan, where they will gain firsthand exposure to advanced research and innovation in the food and biotechnology industries.

 

The Science Castle Grant 2025 reinforces Leave a Nest Malaysia’s mission to nurture the next generation of researchers by connecting schools, universities, and industries. Supported by Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad, the programme aims to equip students with the skills and confidence to conduct research that benefits local communities and addresses global challenges.