USM PENANG, 18 September 2023 – A Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) student from the USM School of the Arts has been chosen as the National Winner of the prestigious James Dyson Award (JDA) 2023.

Lim Zi Suen, a student from the Department of Product Design at the USM School of the Arts, has been announced as the National Winner with her groundbreaking invention, "SOAPY - An Educational Soap Toy," which is set to revolutionise hand hygiene education for children.

Her experience with children earlier had resulted in her noticing that, it was not easy for children to maintain proper hand hygiene practices. They would often struggle to do so, especially with the recent spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This would leave them susceptible to infectious diseases due to the bacteria and germs present on their hands.

The need to deal with this situation became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, and even until now when hand hygiene is more important as part of disease prevention practices.

Zi Suen’s design recognises the need to make handwashing a fun and educational experience for children. SOAPY, being an educational soap toy would not only educate but also engage children in the importance of thorough handwashing. Shaped like a UFO, its ergonomic design ensures ease of use, making it comfortable to hold.

Lim Zi Suen's invention stands out in the market because it is more than just any hand soap. While there are countless hand soaps available, SOAPY is the first to encourage active interactivity and education in children regarding hand hygiene.

The results from observations at a preschool formed the basis of its thoughtful design. “During my previous job as a teacher in a day-care centre, I couldn’t help but notice how swiftly children would wash their hands. Only three to five seconds,” she said.

SOAPY provides guidance and offers convenience. Its toy-oriented design incorporates a timer, scrubber, playful features, and an efficient soap dispenser, which has a protective case that can double as a keychain to ensure both functionality and ease of use. Children will no longer rush through handwashing and lack guidance on the proper technique.

As the National Winner of the James Dyson Award 2023, Lim Zi Suen's ‘SOAPY - An Educational Soap Toy’ is not only a testament to her creativity and dedication but also a promising step toward promoting better hand hygiene practices among children, safeguarding their health and well-being.

SOAPY will be progressing soon to the international stage of the JDA, where a shortlist of the top 20 finalists will be announced on October 18, and with the international winners to be named on November 15.

Text: Gurvinderjit Singh Sidhu Sarjit Singh/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin