Science Competition winners in Southeast Asia & Pacific

Six students from SIS North East Jakarta in Indonesia won the Best in Region award for their research into the development of eco-friendly brake pads that use organic fillers.

Ananya Rajasegar, Amabel Keona Harianto, Calista Tiffany Iwanto, Dev Milan Chakraborty, Russell Sky Cen and Jayden Tan investigated whether renewable, locally sourced agricultural waste materials (coconut fibre, rice husk, peanut shells, and sawdust) could be used as eco-friendly brake pad fillers that reduce environmental harm while maintaining performance.

The team made composite brake pads using each organic filler bonded with epoxy resin and compared them to conventional semi-metallic pads through wear resistance testing, water absorption, density measurements, and oxidation–reduction potential analysis of brake dust in water.

Results showed that organic filler pads, particularly those made with peanut shells and coconut fibre, exhibited significantly lower wear rates and mass loss than semi-metallic pads, indicating superior durability. Additionally, all organic fillers produced higher ORP values than metal-based pads, suggesting reduced toxicity. The performance and ORP data supported the team’s hypothesis that renewable filler brake pads are both more durable and less environmentally harmful, demonstrating strong potential for sustainable brake pads tailored to Indonesia’s pollution challenges.

Team member Calista Tiffany Iwanto said: 'Working with my group in the lab was a memorable experience that taught me the value of resilience and clear communication, while also allowing me to hone my research and experimental skills. More importantly, this project strengthened my curiosity in science as we explored innovative solutions that can make our environment and local community cleaner and more sustainable.'

The judges were impressed by how the team developed their thinking throughout the project and commended all students for their collaboration.

Five students from Vietnam Australia International School in Vietnam won the Best in Region award for their investigation into how varying concentrations of plastic-derived chemicals in soil affect the growth of spinach and coriander.

According to the UN Development Program (UNDP), 79% of plastic after being used either ends up in landfills or nature, while only a small amount is recycled. Inspired by their research, Phùng Phương Anh, Bùi Việt Phương Mai, Dương Hoàng Yến, La Tuệ Lâm Lê and Hoàng Minh Anh wanted to investigate the effects of Nonylphenol (NP) and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) – chemicals found in plastics – on common plant species in Vietnam.

The team added the two chemicals into soil at different concentrations – low, medium and high – and then planted the spinach and coriander seeds. They measured the shoot height, germination rate and pH of the soil every five days over 30 days, measuring 8 variations in total:

• 1 control (no chemicals)
• 1 mixed concentration (1 mg/kg of DBP + NP)
• 3 spinach (low, medium, and high concentrations of DBP and NP)
• 3 coriander (low, medium, and high concentrations of DBP and NP)

The students found that NP generally had more negative effects on spinach’s growth, while DBP had lower negative effects, and especially a low concentration of DBP even led to an increase in height. Interestingly, the mixed concentration indicated contrasting and relatively favourable results, in which it increased shoot height and germination rate rather than decreased. Despite this, the team concluded that both can lead to health consequences in humans after consumption, therefore the concentration should be lowered as much as possible.

Speaking on their experience of the competition, Bùi Việt Phương Mai said: 'Growing up in a developing country, I’ve always been passionate about science and helping my community. Participating in the Science Competition this year was a memorable experience that enhanced my lab skills and allowed me to bond with friends who share my enthusiasm. I also gained valuable experience in writing science articles and public speaking. I hope these experiences will support my future scientific career and projects.'