To promote inquiry-based learning and cultivate the next generation of global researchers, Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) hosted the 2026 Global High School Research Project Competition, bringing together talented high school students from Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Following the preliminary review, 26 finalist teams advanced to the online final presentation held on June 27, showcasing research projects spanning scientific innovation, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, and contemporary social issues.
The competition is jointly organized by CYCU, the Malaysia Global Industry-Academia Collaboration Association (MyGIAC), the University Alliance in Talent Education Development (UAiTED), and National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). Through this international collaboration platform, participating students are encouraged to apply research methodologies to real-world challenges while developing critical thinking, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication skills.
The 2026 competition expanded its international reach by welcoming five Singaporean high schools for the first time, in addition to participating schools from Taiwan and Malaysia. The expanded participation strengthened academic exchange and cross-cultural collaboration among young researchers from the three countries, further advancing global talent development through inquiry-based education.
The finalist projects covered a wide range of disciplines, including natural sciences, life sciences, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, education, the humanities, and public affairs. Together, they reflected students’ awareness of both global trends and local challenges, while demonstrating their ability to transform classroom learning into meaningful research. To further strengthen international engagement, this year’s competition allowed participants to choose either Chinese or English for their written reports and oral presentations. Projects were evaluated through a cross-examination process conducted by primary and secondary judges, who assessed each team’s research motivation, methodology, data analysis, and practical applications, enhancing both the academic rigor and international character of the competition.
Following the final evaluation, 2 Distinguished Awards, 3 Excellence Awards, 6 Merit Awards, and 6 Honorable Mentions were presented. The two Distinguished Awards went to Hin Hua High School in Malaysia and Taipei Municipal Lishan Senior High School in Taiwan. Hin Hua High School was recognized for its project on the circular use of black soldier flies to promote campus sustainability, while Lishan Senior High School received top honors for its life science research investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of Ganoderma microsporum proteins in combination with clinical therapeutics. Award-winning projects also explored topics such as microplastic pollution, generative artificial intelligence, heavy metal detection, educational research, and waste sorting, highlighting the creativity and research potential of high school students across Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Looking ahead, the organizing team will continue to develop the Global High School Research Project Competition as an international platform for inquiry-based learning and academic exchange. By encouraging students to address real-world challenges through research while strengthening collaboration among education partners across countries, the competition aims to nurture a new generation of globally minded young researchers equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge, innovative thinking, and an international perspective.
