Now in its ninth edition, the competition saw Sekolah Menengah Setiabudi, Kuala Lumpur triumph over 273 entries from 116 schools nationwide at a Grand Finale and Prize Giving event held in Kuala Lumpur today.
Organised by Yayasan MR D.I.Y., the philanthropic arm of Malaysia’s largest home improvement retailer MR D.I.Y. Group (M) Berhad, the DIY Made Simple competition is run in collaboration with Universiti Malaya’s Community Engagement Centre (UMCares) and the UM Faculty of Built Environment, with the support of the Ministry of Education’s Sports, Co-Curriculum, and Arts Division.
This year's theme, ‘Waste to Energy: Innovate for a Greener Future’, encouraged students to showcase practical solutions that transform solid waste into reusable energy sources, reducing costs while promoting sustainability. Examples include solar panels from e-waste, electricity generators using plastic waste, LED lights powered by bio-batteries, mini water turbines, batteries made from metal waste, and hydrogen production from wastewater.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. Chief Executive Officer, Zaleha Mohd Mydin said, “DIY Made Simple is more than a competition - it is a platform that equips students with real-world skills and inspires young Malaysians to shape a sustainable future. For nine years, it has proven that education, creativity, and innovation go hand in hand. We are grateful to Universiti Malaya, the Ministry of Education, teachers, parents, and especially the students who bring these ideas to life.”
Commenting on the competition, Associate Prof. ChM Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Director of Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre, said, “‘DIY Made Simple’ is a true testament to the power of long-term partnerships and collaborations. When different minds and organisations come together with a shared purpose, the results can be extraordinary. Year after year, we have witnessed a wealth of innovative ideas and creative projects across various themes, each raising the bar higher than before. It is essential for universities, government and non-government agencies, and corporations to unite in championing initiatives that bring lasting value to the community. By working hand in hand, we can create meaningful change that leaves a positive legacy for generations to come.”
Winners and Prizes
Champion: Sekolah Menengah Setiabudi, Kuala Lumpur - RM4,000 cash
Second Place: SMK St Mary, Papar, Sabah - RM3,000 cash
Third Place: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tamparuli, Sabah- RM2,000 cash
Fourth Place: SMK Puteri Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur - RM1,000 cash
Fifth Place: SMK Shahbandaraya, Klang, Selangor - RM500 cash
All five top teams also received RM300 MR D.I.Y. cash vouchers, certificates, and trophies.
Special awards:
Most-Liked Video (YouTube): Kruss Synergy dari SMK Krubong, Melaka - RM500 cash
Most-Interesting Video (TikTok): Kruss Synergy dari SMK Krubong, Melaka - RM500 cash
Consolation Prizes (Anugerah Inspirasi): RM300 MR D.I.Y. cash vouchers, certificates, and trophies were awarded to:
SMK Seksyen 18, Shah Alam, Selangor.
SMK Baru Bintulu, Sarawak.
SMK Tunku Besar Burhanuddin, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.
SMK Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh, Selangor.
SMKA Durian Guling, Marang, Terengganu.
SMK Tun Perak, Rawang, Selangor.
SMK Krubong, Melaka
SMKA Durian Guling, Marang Terengganu.
SMK Luar Bandar, Miri, Sarawak
SMK St. Peter Kudat [M], Sabah
SMK Baru Bintulu, Sarawak
In recognition of state-level efforts, the Selangor State Education Department took first place for highest participation, followed by Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Sabah, and Sarawak State Departments.
Since its inception in 2017, DIY Made Simple has engaged over 8,000 students from 715 schools across Malaysia, with more than 5,000 project submissions to date. The competition continues to nurture innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while championing sustainability.
For more on Yayasan MR D.I.Y. 's sustainability and community programmes, visit MR D.I.Y.’s website, www.mrdiy.com, or social media on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
