The 13th Regional Congress of the Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists (SSYS) successfully concluded, drawing 315 young scientists from across Southeast Asia to Penang, Malaysia. Organized by SEAMEO RECSAM, the congress featured 101 innovative projects tackling critical community issues like respiratory disorders, food safety, and climate change. The theme “Youth for One Health through STEM Innovations” emphasized the vital role of young minds in promoting the One Health movement, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health for a sustainable future.
The SSYS Congress welcomed participants from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Among the notable projects was “Eye-Rin: Utilization of Deep Learning Algorithms for Real-Time Camera Recognition of Persons with Zoonotic Disease Through Eye Images,” presented by Justin A. Pacayra and teacher advisor Arnold Jr. Hipolito from Naga City Science High School, Philippines.
This project earned them the Most Promising Young Scientists award, along with a cash prize of RM1800.00 and a seed grant of USD 4000.00, supported by CHEVRON through SEAOHUN. Their system, comprising a Haar cascade-based ED model and a customized VGG19 ZDI model, detects zoonotic disease infections in real time, allowing for rapid reporting and containment of potential outbreaks.
In addition to the main award, five special awards were also presented, each including a cash prize of RM500.00 and a USD 1000.00 seed grant. These awards acknowledged projects for their community benefits, educational contribution, commercial potential, application of STEM concepts, and creativity/innovation. Notably, “Dermotect: An Assistive Dermoscopy Screening Device for Early Detection of Selected Cancerous Skin Diseases and Their Severity Using Machine Learning Ensemble” from Bansud National High School, Philippines, was recognized for its significant community benefits.
The congress not only honored the accomplishments of young scientists but also underscored the significance of cultivating future leaders in STEM disciplines. Dr. Azman bin Jusoh, Director of the SEAMEO RECSAM Centre, praised the participants for their curious and innovative approaches to real-world issues. He emphasized the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into scientific pursuits, advocating for lifelong scientific values, and nurturing regional bonds among young learners.
The panel of judges, headed by Chief Judge Dr. Pamela Anne Knight from Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, praised the outstanding quality of submissions. Projects were assessed based on criteria including originality, scientific rigor, research methodology, societal impact, and educational and commercial viability. The intense competition highlighted the increasing talent and potential of Southeast Asia's youth in tackling complex global challenges with innovative STEM solutions.
Moving forward, the SSYS Congress remains a crucial platform for young scientists in Southeast Asia, cultivating a culture of research, innovation, and cooperation. The upcoming congress in 2026 is poised to uphold this tradition, actively involving youth in advancing the One Health initiative for a healthier and more promising future.
