GPSC announces the finalists for the third annual YSI 2020 on April 20, showcasing innovative inventions eligible for the H.R.H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Trophy.

GPSC announced the five finalists for the third annual GPSC Young Social Innovator 2020. The top prize winner’s project “Acid from fermented fish sauce mixed with zinc oxide to reduce odor, antifungal, and to increase rubber weight” (1st place winner) was awarded the H.R.H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Trophy.

Mr. Worawat Pitayasiri, President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited or GPSC, the innovative power flagship of PTT Group, revealed today (April 20, 2020) that the finalists for the GPSC Young Social Innovator 2020, held for the third consecutive year under the “Sustainable Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment” concept, had been selected. The five finalist teams, whose members are students in secondary or vocational education or equivalent, will receive a certificate and a scholarship, which can be used to build upon the existing body of knowledge to create environmentally friendly innovations that make use of local resources. The competition not only enhances Thai youth’s potential but also prepares them for the world stage. In accordance with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this year’s event was hosted online.

“The GPSC Young Social Innovator competition 2020, which was held for the third consecutive year has been a success. The five finalist projects were selected out of over 300 submitted projects for their outstanding creative inventions and innovations under the “Sustainable Energy, Natural Resource and Environment” concept. The competition also lays a strong foundation for young people in the efficient use of local and national resources, which can lead to the sustainable development of wellbeing,” said Mr. Worawat.

The five finalist teams include

1. First-Place Winner, Team YOUNG SCIENCE SR from Saharajrungsarid School, project’s title: Acid from fermented fish sauce mixed with zinc oxide to reduce odor, antifungal, and to increase rubber weight.
2. First Runner-Up, Team KKW NANO – Z from Khonkaenwittayayon School, project’s title: Innovation for managing oil slick from households by using the para sponge mixed with hermit flowers and nano carbon black to apply to oil slick as the binder for producing charcoal briquettes
3. Second Runner-Up, Team young's box from Khirimatpittayakom School, project’s title: Shockpad to prolong fruit life
4. Honorable Mention Winner, Team YOUNG SCIENCE SR 2 from Saharajrungsarid School, project’s title: Foot odor spray "Thao-HOM"
5. Honorable Mention Winner, Team SPT magic project from Satri Phatthalung School, project’s title: Product to delay ripening and absorbing moisture for fruits

The first-place winner of this year’s GPSC Young Social Innovator will be awarded the H.R.H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Trophy along with a certificate and a 50,000-baht scholarship. The first and the second runners-up and the two Honorable Mention teams will receive a plaque, a certificate and a 30,000-baht scholarship, a 20,000-baht scholarship, and a 10,000-baht scholarship respectively. The top prize winner’s project and other qualified inventions will also be eligible for international award competition entry.

The annual YSI competition is in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility or CSR policy that aims to encourage Thai children and youths to learn how to use resources responsibly, which can lead to sustainable betterment of communities and environmental conservation.

Throughout the past three years, students who participated in the competition have received ten awards from various competitions including South Korea’s Seoul International Invention Fair and World Invention Innovation Contest, and the International British Innovation, Invention, Technology Exhibition or IBIX 2020 held in London, UK. The inventions submitted at these competitions have also been successfully developed for further use in a wider range of applications.