Benefits of joining the innovation team by Marian Yeow

Greetings! I am a member of the innovation team of SMK Kota Kemuning

and I would like to share with you the benefits of joining the innovation.
However, before that, I would like to explain what the innovation team is all
about.
An innovation team is a group of people innovating and inventing new
ideas for the benefits of mankind. To innovate is to improve an invention to make
it better. For example, the ever shrinking smartphones. To invent is to create a
new invention to solve the problems of mankind.
The innovation team of SMK Kota Kemuning consists of students and
teachers. Our teachers guide us in various projects. Teamwork is very important
as every member must do his/her fair share of research and experiments to
innovate or invent a product.
Personally, I find it very beneficial to be in the innovation team.
Being in the innovation team widens my knowledge. By carrying out various
research and experiments, I have gained lots of knowledge which is beyond the
school syllabus. For example, in the innovation project last year (Bamboo Silica
from bamboo waste), we had to research an endless list of things such as what is
the best method to produce the product, product cost, absorption studies and so
on. It is a totally different learning process and everyone should not miss the
chance to experience it.
Next, I have gained invaluable experience by joining the innovation team. I
participated in so many innovation competitions such as MIYIO in Penang, Y-Biz
Challenge in Melaka and also IYIA challenge in Jakarta. It is really a rare
experience. One of the most fun and exciting experience that I had was when I
went to Jakarta. From boarding a plane to going for a field trip around Jakarta, the
experience was just incredible.
Furthermore, being in the innovation team challenges me mentally and
physically as there are many new advanced things to learn. Commitment is also
a challenge as I had to stay back after school almost every day to complete our
project. Every member in the innovation is also required to think outside the box
when carrying out experiments and giving suggestions to improve the
innovation.
My communication skills have also improved drastically after joining the
innovation. As the main presenter of the team, I am exposed to many
opportunities to present and explain our innovation to the public. Besides, my
circle of friends has also widened through various innovation competitions.
Since joining the innovation, I have also become a better person. I have to
be hard working, independent, responsible and disciplined to be in the innovation
team. Last but not least, joining the innovation team has improved my curricular
achievements tremendously with loads of fun.

Putting all that aside, many have asked me whether joining the innovation
team affects my academic studies. Frankly speaking, being in the innovation
team really requires commitment and time, and that also means missing a few
classes occasionally and staying back after school. However, personally, being in
the innovation team doesnt affect my studies at all. In fact, my results were the
best by far throughout my whole secondary life. How did I do it? Most
importantly, I have my time planned and well spent. There was always time for
me to study and play. I dont go for tuition, and that gives me the extra time for
my own time planning. Listening attentively in class, completing my homework
and recapping my studies once in a while are sufficient to excel while being busy
with my curricular activities.
In a nutshell, being in the innovation team has really changed my life for
the better. It is really a blessing from God that I was given the chance to be in
the innovation team with dedicated and helpful teachers and friends. Thank you.