Five finalist teams showcase innovative STEM-powered solutions, highlighting the problem-solving capabilities of Malaysia's next generation of changemakers

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Malaysia Electronics crowned Team InnovateZ as the overall champion of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026. The team stood out against four other finalist teams with its project, TheVisionSense, an innovative solution designed using LiDAR and ultrasound sensors to detect obstacles and provide real-time audio alerts, enabling individuals with newly acquired visual impairments to navigate more safely and independently.

The competition encouraged students aged 13 to 15 to harness creativity, critical thinking and technology to develop innovative solutions that address real-world challenges within their communities.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, the Top 10 teams progressed to the semi-final stage, where they refined their ideas, developed prototypes and participated in a Design Thinking Workshop. Five finalist teams subsequently advanced to the Grand Finale, where they presented their solutions before a distinguished panel of judges.

As the winner, Team InnovateZ received Samsung products worth up to RM47,000. The team emerged victorious after impressing the judges with its creativity, application of STEM principles and potential to create meaningful community impact.

Reflecting on their achievement, Team InnovateZ from MRSM Bagan Datuk said, "Being able to achieve first place makes us really happy, especially after all the challenges we faced throughout the journey. We don't hear as much about solutions for people with visual impairments, and that inspired us to create this headset to help them. Finally achieving what we had worked so hard for made us feel that all our efforts were worth it. We hope future generations will come up with even more exciting and powerful ideas, and help make Malaysia better known around the world through technology and innovation."

The Second Prize went to Team iSafePath for iSafePath 2.0, an adaptive road-safety platform that uses real-time detection and two-way alerts to help pedestrians and drivers navigate high-risk crossings more safely. The team received Samsung products worth up to RM30,000.

Team Replast secured Third Prize for Replast, an eco-friendly solution that transforms recycled plastic waste into durable, water-resistant bricks for more sustainable construction, receiving Samsung products worth up to RM19,000.

Fourth Prize was awarded to Team EcoTerraNitro for EcoTerraNitro, receiving Samsung products worth up to RM10,000, while Team Primates received Fifth Prize for their idea, Primates, taking home Samsung products worth up to RM8,000.

Inspiring Young Malaysians to 'Start with CAN'

Organised by Samsung Malaysia in collaboration with Universiti Malaya, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026 continued its mission to empower young Malaysians to become changemakers through STEM education.

The programme attracted 106 entries from 424 students nationwide across four themes: Environmental Sustainability, Sport and Technology, Health, and Education.

Agnes Wong, Head of Corporate Marketing, Samsung Malaysia Electronics, said, "At Samsung, we believe innovation begins with the confidence to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and take action. We are incredibly proud of what these young innovators have achieved and look forward to seeing them continue to grow as the changemakers of tomorrow."

Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Mas Sahidayana Mohktar, Director of the Universiti Malaya STEM Centre, said, "The quality of ideas presented this year reflects the talent, creativity and determination of young Malaysians. Through Solve for Tomorrow, students gained valuable hands-on experience in applying STEM knowledge to solve real-world challenges while developing the skills needed to become future innovators and changemakers."

Through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, students gained hands-on experience in identifying challenges, developing ideas and building prototypes. The programme continues to equip young Malaysians with the skills, mentorship and opportunities needed to transform bold ideas into meaningful real-world impact.

For more information about Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/solvefortomorrow/

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

SAMSUNG MALAYSIA ELECTRONICS (SME) Sdn Bhd [Company No. 200301026766(629186-D)]