This year, our team of three Secondary 2 students participated in the finals of the World GreenMech Contest, which was inspired by the renowned comic “Crazy Machine” by Mr. Reuben Garrett Lucius Goldberg. Since the establishment of the World Forum for GreenMech Promotion in Taichung, Taiwan in 2017, the competition has sought to promote creativity and scientific knowledge and take steps to introduce innovative concepts in science education. We are grateful for this exceptional platform to hone our mechanical operating skills, problem-solving, creativity and understanding of physical concepts.

Our first competition was in Hong Kong where we competed against other school teams in the junior secondary section. Within the limited time of 1.5 hours, we had to construct a fully workable and linked-up 8-stage model which demonstrated the usage of green energies and different scientific theories. At that time, our team consisted of four people, although one of us sadly could not join us for the finals. We were delighted and surprised to find out that our team had won second place overall and would be going to Taichung for the world finals.

The world finals were held at National Chung Hsing University, where we were introduced to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which was one of our guiding principles. As we embarked on this exciting Taichung journey, we were captivated by the intricate and imaginative machines the past contestants had made, which triggered us to establish our own innovative ideas. The World GreenMech Contest not only encouraged us to think outside the box but also instilled in us a deep appreciation for sustainable development. With the SDGs in mind, we aimed to build a model that would effectively contribute to the achievement of these goals. This required a comprehensive understanding of each goal and the ability to incorporate them into our design.

We worked well as a team, brainstorming and sketching numerous designs to ensure that our creation would bring out the objectives of the SDGs. We dedicated countless hours to the design process, meticulously brainstorming and drawing and refining ideas and details to maximise our product’s ultimate efficiency and environmental consciousness.

The process was surely not without its challenges. We encountered obstacles that tested our problem-solving abilities and forced us to think critically when prototypes failed to work as we had intended. At times, stress levels ran high due to time pressure and creativity running dry. However, with the help from our teacher and coach, Mr. W.K. Yeung, and a determination to simply try our best no matter what, we eventually found innovative solutions and explored new approaches.

The highlight of the trip was the opportunity to present our model to judges, and learning from other participants’ unique perspectives and ideas. We were inspired by the models we saw: some spoke up for marine conservation, while others demonstrated the ideal futures that could be created with the popularisation of renewable energy. Engaging with fellow contestants from around the world including Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia truly broadened our horizons and fostered a sense of global togetherness in tackling the SDGs.

Though the main focus of this trip to Taiwan was the competition, we thoroughly enjoyed the fun sightseeing events that were organised as well. We visited a museum displaying animal fossils, structures and the formation of living creatures; marvelled at the vibrant colours and graffiti art in the Rainbow Village; meandered down nature trails in the Gaomei wetlands, where we spotted small marine animals like crabs and mudskippers; and visited the Fengjia night market.

The companionship we experienced during the competition and trip was truly remarkable. Strangers became friends, united by a common goal and a shared passion for innovative and sustainable development. We exchanged knowledge, supported one another, and celebrated each other’s accomplishments. We got to see numerous brilliant minds develop and present great ideas, regardless of their ages and backgrounds. The bonds that formed during this journey will definitely carry on despite our exchange journey to Taichung having come to an end.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the organisers of the World GreenMech Contest in Hong Kong and Taiwan for providing us with this incredible opportunity. Their dedication and commitment to promoting education and sustainability are truly commendable. We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our teacher, Mr. W.K. Yeung, for his guidance, support, and efforts in arranging for us to travel to Taichung and partake in this enriching and enjoyable experience. Lastly, thanks must be given to Mrs. Lau for her continuous support and guidance towards us and granting us the opportunity to broaden our horizons overseas.