Entrepreneurship student wins Best Innovation Award at Satu Smart 2023

In recognition of his keen sense of innovation and leadership skills, Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Entrepreneurship student Lee Zhao Xuan, was awarded the Best Innovation Award (individual category) at the Satu Smart 2023 Sustainable x Life Science 5th International Innovation Competition, jointly organised by SATU Presidents’ Forum, and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)’s Innovation Headquarters and the Office of International Affairs, via Zoom, on 9 August 2023.

Lee enthused, “Winning the Best Innovation Award in my first foray into a world-class international competition is a source of immense pride and accomplishment. However, I view this not as the end but as one strategic move in the chess game of my life. I am inspired to continue moving forward, exploring new horizons, and contributing meaningfully to the world of innovation. When I reflect upon what set me apart from the talented pool of individuals in this competition, I am reminded of the fierce spirit of innovation that drives us all. This international platform gathered elite players from diverse corners of the world, each armed with ground-breaking ideas and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. To emerge victorious in such a field required not only innovative thinking but also the courage to execute unexpected moves that would make one stand out among the world’s elites.”

He added, “I joined this competition with the intention of breaking through personal boundaries and bringing my innovative ideas to a stage that truly reflects the global landscape of creativity. The competition, with its myriad of brilliant minds and ground-breaking concepts, presented an unparalleled opportunity to challenge myself and contribute to the discourse on innovation. I feel grateful and have a profound sense of accomplishment as the recipient of the Best Innovation Award in the individual honour category. Moreover, I am truly honoured to be acknowledged among the outstanding innovators from around the globe who participated in this prestigious competition. Furthermore, I feel very honoured to be the leader of the Trillion group and lead the team to receive this outstanding award. My team has three members, which are Foong Shirley (Nanyang Technological University), Harshit Jain (Indian Institute of Technology Bombay), and Ira Rachmanilah (Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology).”

Lee, who has always been deeply passionate about sustainable development, noted that the competition provided him with a platform to align his innovative pursuits with a cause that is not only meaningful to him, but also crucial for the well-being of the planet. On that note, he also expressed his gratitude to the organisers of the competition for enabling him to reach a step closer to his dream, and for supporting innovators to contribute lasting impacts.

The award recipient also expressed, “It’s evident that my university experience has played a pivotal role in my achievement of this award. Therefore, I feel grateful to UTAR. I express my gratitude towards the lecturers and mentors who have consistently supported me and offered valuable advice throughout my academic journey. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping my success, and without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t have reached my current achievements. Moreover, the university courses have been a rich source of knowledge, providing me with insights into various subjects and equipping me with the skills necessary for success in the modern era. The curriculum has exposed me to new and relevant information, contributing significantly to my growth and accomplishments.”

The theme of the competition was Sustainability x Life Science. The SMART programme was initiated in 2017 to promote cross-border interaction among students in SATU member universities. Jointly organised by the Innovation Headquarters and the Office of International Affairs of National Cheng Kung University, the competition strived not only to give students cross-cultural exposure but also to stimulate their innovations and help them develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

In the group category, Lee led the team, Trillion, and presented with his team members on “Dual Functional Hydroelectric Generator of Radioactive”. The project addressed the ongoing challenge of radioactive water management. It aimed to convert nuclear wastewater into electrical energy, addressing the issue of radioactive water pollution. Notably, the product goes beyond traditional hydroelectric generators by incorporating a special filtration system that transforms radioactive water into drinkable water over time.

He further explained, “The presence of radioactive water, containing hazardous isotopes like cesium, plutonium, and uranium, poses significant risks to the environment and human health. Managing and disposing of radioactive water, often generated as a by-product of nuclear activities, is a challenging task that requires careful consideration. Our project explores the various sources of radioactive water, highlighting the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant incident as a case study. The article also delves into the controversy surrounding plans to release treated radioactive water into the ocean. Our innovation project emphasises the importance of utilising nuclear wastewater to generate electricity for residential use, thereby contributing to a sustainable solution. By designing a unique filter within the product, radioactive water is automatically treated to become drinkable water once it is no longer harmful. This dual functionality not only reduces the cost of electricity but also eliminates the need for separate water filtration systems, providing a comprehensive and innovative approach to radioactive water management.”

The project is also related to Sustainable Develop Goal 15: Life on Land because it addresses radioactive water pollution, and hopes to offer a solution to filter and convert it into drinkable water, which further supports the goal of protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.