WINNING an international competition is no easy feat, says 17-year-old Syed Mohd Esmat Hussaini Syed Mohd Ridzuan.

He was awarded a US$1,000 (RM3,300) scholarship for his project entitled Hybrid Electromagnetic Drum Brake System at the recently concluded Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2008 (Intel ISEF) in Atlanta, Georgia, the United States.

"Competing at Intel ISEF is a whole different ball game. Not only are the participants required to strictly adhere to the rules of the competition, but judges also ask tricky questions," he explains.

His project was developed based on the conventional Hydraulic Drum Brake System. It aims to replace the hydraulic brake system, which operates using brake fluid (made from petroleum) with electromagnetic system.

For his feat, Syed Mohd Esmat of Mara Junior Science College, Taiping received an award from the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance-The Lemelson Foundation. Awards given under this category are based on a project's creativity, technological innovation and commercial promise.
The challenges thrown at Syed Mohd Esmat during his stint in Intel ISEF had improved his communication skills and increased his confidence level, as he made many friends from all over the world including China, Peru, Puerto Rico and the US.

"I also took the opportunity to browse the many booths, which I found amazing. Some of these projects cost more than US$15,000."

Inspired by the win, Syed Mohd Esmat wants to further develop the brake system, and work with the related companies to commercialise it.

Besides Syed Mohd Esmat, three students from Tunku Kurshiah College, Seremban also made Malaysia proud by clinching a third-place award for the Team Project Category.

Syahrina Hafiza Ahmad Salim, Nur Farawahidah Mohd Yusof and Fadhlina Abdul Bashir won a US$1,000 award for their research on using Kadok (Piper sarmentosum) as an anti-ulcerogenic agent. The project aims to use Kadok plant as a natural remedy to prevent and heal stomach ulcers.

Ulcer disease results from an imbalance of aggressive factors and the ability of the gastroduodenal mucosal to protect itself. Consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobactor pylori infection are the causes of the majority of stomach ulcers that lead to ulcer disease.

"Based on our tests, we believe Kadok can replace drugs to treat stomach ulcers," says Nur Farawahidah, 18.

The three students nearly missed their chance to compete at Intel ISEF as their project was suspected to have breached the rules set by Intel.

"During registration, we were shocked to learn that our project was on the violation list. We had to go through an interview with the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) members before getting approval for our project abstract. We had to get the consent (letter) with a gold stamp before we could set up a booth at Intel ISEF," says Nur Farawahidah.

The SRC members were concerned about using rats for the experiments, as it was against their ethical code. However, the project was eventually approved after the SRC members were convinced that the dissection of rats was carried out by a qualified scientist.

Nur Farawahidah learned that the contest not only focused on the project but also the booth, which should be attractive and have stimulating presentation.

For these aspiring scientists, winning the awards has boosted their self-confidence and brought them a step closer to their dreams.