SEMPORNA, 5th October 2023 – UiTM Sabah Branch Tawau Campus has successfully played its role as a co-organiser of the Borneo Innovation Competition 2023 (InoBorneo23), held at the Seafest Hotel, Semporna on October 3 – 5, 2023.
While Institute of Teacher Education Tawau Campus was the main organiser of the event, the other collaborative partners of InoBorneo23 comprised several higher educational institutions and District Education Offices on the East Coast of Sabah, including Polytechnic Tawau Sabah, Tawau Community College, Tawau Vocational College, Tawau District Education Office, Kunak District Education Office and Semporna District Education Office.
The theme for the Borneo Innovation Competition 2023 is “Inovasi Melestari Masyarakat Madani”, which can be translated as “Innovation Sustains a Civilised Society”. The innovation contest was conducted based on seven sub-themes: Teaching and Learning, STEM, Construction and Manufacturing, Services, Technology and Information Technology, Hospitality and Environment.
The response towards InoBorneo23 was so overwhelming that the total number of entries exceeded the initial target of 100 teams of innovators. The registration committee was reported to have received a total of 152 entries, involving 550 innovators in the country, including those from the states of Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, the Federal Territory of Putrajaya and Sarawak.
Dr. Choo Siow Chin, Co-Chair of the organising committee, said, “It is a privilege for us to be part of the organising committee of InoBorneo23. Although we were assigned several tasks to accomplish, some, for instance fund-raising, were really challenging in times like this. However, owing to steely determination and continual efforts, coupled with unwavering support from our team members, we managed to meet our target in due time.” She added, “The first-time experience of working as a co-organiser of InoBorneo23 was quite a learning curve for many of us.”
One of the competition coordinators, Ms. Carolline Eveth Cyrinus, commented that “Initially, we had concerns about our ability to meet our participant target. However, the response to InoBorneo23 exceeded our expectation with an influx of entries, even as the deadline approached.” In hindsight, she said, “It requires concerted efforts from all parties to put the event together. We are grateful to all the participants who have joined us and breathed life into this event. Your enthusiasm and commitment were truly inspiring. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all dedicated committee members who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of InoBorneo23.”
The success of InoBorneo23 has set the tone for innovation competitions initiated by local educational institutions. It serves as a potential avenue for promoting the pursuit of innovation and invention in the country, both at present and in the future. The national-level innovation event is planned to be held biennially and is expected to return in 2025.