Deadline: 08-Jun-2026
The Science Castle Grant Program supports secondary and high school students in Sarawak to develop science and innovation projects that address real community challenges such as floods, waste management, mental health, and food security. Selected student teams receive funding, mentoring, and opportunities to present their research through a competitive selection process. Grants provide RM 1,000 per team, with top performers eligible for further mentorship and a study trip to Japan.
Overview of the Science Castle Grant Program
The Science Castle Grant Program is a student-focused research funding initiative that encourages young innovators in Sarawak to design practical scientific solutions for local community issues.
It is designed to promote:
- Student-led scientific research
- Real-world problem solving
- Innovation in local communities
- Early-stage STEM skill development
Key Focus Areas (Research Themes)
Students are encouraged to develop solutions in areas affecting Sarawak communities, including:
Community and Environmental Issues
- Flood prevention and management
- Waste management systems
- Food security
- Rural access and infrastructure
Social and Development Challenges
Technology and Innovation
- Artificial intelligence applications
- Science and engineering-based solutions
- Other locally relevant innovations
Program Objectives
The Science Castle Grant aims to:
- Encourage scientific thinking among students
- Support community-based problem solving
- Strengthen research skills in secondary education
- Promote innovation in STEM education
- Connect students with mentors and industry partners
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, students must:
- Be secondary or high school students in Sarawak
- Apply in groups of three members
- Have experience conducting laboratory experiments at school
- Be able to participate in in-person selection events
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A 3–4 minute video presentation explaining:
- A community problem in Sarawak
- Their proposed research solution
- Why their team should be selected
Selection Process
Step 1: Video Submission
- Teams submit research idea videos (3–4 minutes)
Step 2: Shortlisting
- 20 teams are selected for the next stage
Step 3: Kenyalang Thinkathon Challenge
- Physical participation required
- Group discussions and presentations
- Venue: Makeramai Makerspace, Plaza Merdeka
- Dates: 29–30 June
Step 4: Final Selection
- 5 teams receive grants and mentorship
Step 5: Mentorship Phase
- Online mentoring sessions with experts and industry partners
Funding and Benefits
Grant Support
- RM 1,000 per selected team
Additional Benefits
- Online mentoring sessions
- Research development support
- Exposure to industry partners
- Opportunity for international study trip
Special Award
- Best-performing team receives a study trip to Japan (December)
Program Support Structure
Selected teams receive guidance from:
- Leave a Nest mentors
- Industry partners
- Science and innovation experts
Participation Requirements
Selected teams must:
- Attend the Kenyalang Thinkathon physically
- Participate in final presentation sessions
- Be available for mentoring sessions
- Coordinate with school for participation costs
Cost and Logistics
- Participation costs covered by schools
- Meals provided during event days
- Travel arrangements must be managed by schools
Why This Program Matters
The Science Castle Grant Program helps:
- Build early-stage research skills in students
- Encourage STEM-based problem solving
- Connect education with real community needs
- Develop future science and innovation leaders
- Promote applied science in local contexts
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define a real community problem
- Propose a simple, feasible scientific solution
- Demonstrate teamwork and role distribution
- Show prior lab experience clearly
- Keep video presentation clear and structured
- Link solution directly to Sarawak community needs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing overly complex or unrealistic research ideas
- Weak explanation of the community problem
- Poor teamwork structure in application
- Missing lab experience evidence
- Ignoring feasibility within the 5-month timeline
- Submitting unclear or unstructured video presentations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Science Castle Grant Program?
Secondary and high school students from Sarawak applying in groups of three.
2. What is the funding amount?
Each selected team receives RM 1,000.
3. What is the main goal of the program?
To support student-led science projects that solve real community issues in Sarawak.
4. What is the selection process?
Video submission → Shortlisting of 20 teams → Kenyalang Thinkathon → Final selection of 5 teams.
5. What is the Kenyalang Thinkathon Challenge?
A physical selection event involving group discussions and presentations held at Makeramai Makerspace, Plaza Merdeka.
6. Is mentoring provided?
Yes, selected teams receive online mentoring from experts and industry partners.
7. Is there any special reward?
Yes, the best-performing team receives a study trip to Japan in December.
Conclusion
The Science Castle Grant Program is a structured student innovation initiative that empowers Sarawak secondary and high school students to apply scientific thinking to real-world community problems. Through funding, mentorship, and competitive selection stages, the program builds early research capacity and encourages impactful STEM-driven solutions.
For more information, visit Science Castle.