<a>South African scientists win big as they were awarded at Taiwan international science fair </a>

Congratulations are in order for two young South African scientists who raised the country’s flag in Taiwan.

The two brilliant minds were recently awarded after successfully showcasing their scientific genius at the 2023 Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF) early this month.

Held at the National Taiwan Science Education Centre in Taipei, Jaco Jacobs and Dia Singh made the country proud as they displayed their innovations.

Jacobs is a Grade 12 learner at Outeniqua High School in George, Western Cape, he scooped a second award (South African equivalent of a silver medal)

Looking at Singh, she is enrolled at St Dominic’s School in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal and she was awarded a third award (South African equivalent of a bronze medal).

Jacobs’ research project Jacobs focused on “Automated Inflation and Pressure Regulation for Recreational and Professional Cyclists”, which found that for competitive cyclists, as well as amateurs, deflated or over-inflated tyres have always been problematic and more importantly, a safety hazard.

In a press release sent to BusinessTech Africa, the ambitious learner’s fourth prototype 3D-printed design automatically adjusts the tyre pressure while moving. Using this prototype, cyclists can also adjust the tyre pressure as the terrain of the track they are using changes.

“I feel very grateful to have won an award. I have been working on this project for a very long time and have gone through many iterations,” he said.

“To get second prize in Taiwan is definitely a special achievement. I had a great experience taking part in the TISF, I really enjoyed exploring the city’s landmarks and culture, which was a highlight for me. I also enjoyed connecting with the locals and other international participants.”

His counterpart, Singh, concentrated on “Using P.I.P. to strengthen roads: Plastic incinerated by plastic”, demonstrating that the fuel produced when plastic is burnt can be used to burn more plastic waste.

In this way, one can get rid of plastic using an alternative fuel source. In addition, Singh developed the Plasticator mobile application, which allows for the monitoring of quantities and types of waste that have been incinerated.

An elated Singh expressed: “Being selected by Eskom Expo to take part in the TISF was further than any goals I had set when starting work on my research project. The great amount of positive attention from Eskom Expo’s regional event and International Science Fair had given me confidence in the value of my project.

“To receive an award at the TISF was a great honour. I had no expectations of winning any awards as I had already felt that getting this far was successful enough. The absolute thrill and joy I felt when receiving this award of third place in the Engineering category cannot be compared to any other feeling. The best part of the trip to Taiwan was the people. People from different backgrounds, countries, and beliefs. Every person I met had left an impact on me, as they had shown me how different we are and how beautiful that can be. These networks and connections formed will be cherished.”

Per the release, a total of 288 learners from 21 countries around the world competed in this year’s Taiwan International Science Fair.

South Africa participates in this fair annually via the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, as it offers local learners an opportunity to present their research to their peers from other countries while promoting cross-cultural communication and educational exchange.

On behalf of the power generator, Eskom Development Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Sumaya Nassiep, said: “The impressive standard of the research of our local young scientists highlights the value that science and innovation can bring to solve some of our country’s most pressing developmental challenges.

“It is therefore important to encourage learners to participate in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, as it can be a life-changing experience that shapes their future careers and significantly impacts the local and international scientific community. The Expo is open to learners from all backgrounds and levels of education, and is an excellent way to support and nurture the next generation of scientific and engineering leaders in South Africa.”

Additionally, Eskom Group Executive: Government and Regulatory Affairs Nthato Minyuku was impressed and said the power utility aims, through its investment in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, to cultivate a strong pipeline of scientists and engineers for the country while they are still at school.

“Growing future young scientists is for future proofing RSA and Africa. I am particularly proud of our two learners, whose innovations solve real world problems,” she said.

“I have no doubt that our two winning learners will continue to inspire the youth of our country as shining examples of what is possible within the STEMI space.”