Ting (third right), Teo (third left) and some Smart Forge members pose for a photo session after the MoU signing.
SIBU (Sept 30): The AI Smart Bin developed by Smart Forge — a group of students from SMK Sacred Heart — will be implemented at the Sibu Central Market for six months under a joint strategic cooperation with the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC).
The project will run from Sept 12 to March 12, 2027 following a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Smart Forge, led by school principal David Teo Wu, and SMC, represented by its chairman Clarence Ting, on Sept 11.
Smart Forge, comprised of Form Two and Form Three students Augustine Sia, Lucas Wong, Asher Lim and Yves Roman Zeus, said they resolved an issue involving the smart bin automatically disconnecting from the public WiFi at the market after a certain period.
“To overcome the problem, we purchased our own private mobile data plan and used Bluetooth connectivity to ensure the project can remain online and operate continuously.
“Several adjustments were also made to the arrangement and positioning of the light cables to improve the project’s practicality, appearance and ease of use,” said the team.
The AI Smart Bin was developed for the Toyota Eco Youth 2026 competition, and Smart Forge completed the on-site judging on Sept 22.
The semi-final shortlist, comprising 15 teams selected from 30, will be announced on Oct 16. Teams qualifying for the finals will travel to Kuala Lumpur from Nov 16 to 18 to participate in the final stage of the competition.
“We sincerely hope that our team will successfully qualify for the finals and have the opportunity to represent Sibu on the national stage,” Smart Forge said.
The team also introduced the AI Smart Bin to members of the public, particularly primary school pupils, during the closing of the national-level Sarawak Zone Road Tour Gunpla Fun to Build Challenge at the SMK Sacred Heart Hall here on Sept 27.
Smart Forge said the initiative was aimed at raising awareness of proper waste segregation and responsible waste disposal, while encouraging children to develop good habits from a young age.
“We hope that our project can not only contribute to technological innovation but also create greater awareness and bring about positive changes in the community,” it said.
The team also expressed appreciation to Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng for his continuous support, encouragement, and recognition of the group.
“We are especially grateful for his valuable financial assistance, which has greatly supported our project and encouraged us to continue working hard towards our goals.”
