Bangkok, Thailand – The youth of Southeast Asia continue to demonstrate innovation and potential on the global stage. At the Thailand Inventors’ Day 2025, held from 2–6 February at BITEC in Bangkok, a student team from SMA Labschool Cibubur, Indonesia, received a silver medal and two special international awards for their natural lip butter product.
Thailand Inventors’ Day is one of Asia’s most prominent innovation showcases, welcoming thousands of participants across countries. In this year’s competition, SMA Labschool Cibubur earned two gold medals, four silver medals, and three special awards from Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
One standout was Team Meragrita, composed of six students—Zhafran Cahaya Briliant, Mohamad Akeno Yumafazy, Rayi Aditya Nugroho, Chumairah Oktrisa Ramadhania, Ameerah Camelia Murvyanda, and Ni Made Qeysha Aurora Witama. Their creation, MERAGRITA: Indonesia Tengkawang, Lemon Grass, and Natural Oil, Tropical Boom Lip Butter, is a beauty innovation that blends traditional and local ingredients into a modern self-care product.
The team developed two product variants: Cym Butter Plain, a colorless balm suitable for all users, and Thaya Butter Shine, a tinted lip butter using natural red pigment from dragon fruit extract. Both use native Indonesian ingredients such as tengkawang butter, grapeseed oil, lemongrass, and honey from the Badui community.
Zhafran, speaking with Tempo after the event, expressed surprise and gratitude for the international recognition. “Honestly, I was shocked. This was my first time presenting research abroad, and I never expected to win something like this,” he said.
One of the special awards—granted by the Vietnamese delegation—was presented to the team upon their arrival at the exhibition booth. Another surprise award from the Philippines came in an informal manner, handed out by a visitor who had posed as a regular attendee, further highlighting the dynamic and supportive spirit of the event.
In total, SMA Labschool Cibubur sent six teams, each returning with at least one award. According to team member Rayi Aditya Nugroho, the experience underscored the value of collaboration and innovation among ASEAN youth. “This taught me how important hard work and creativity are. I hope it inspires more students across the region to innovate,” he said.
The school’s principal, Ali Chudori, emphasized that the achievement reflects the institution’s dedication to developing young talent and preparing students for leadership and innovation roles in the future. “This success is a result of their commitment and teamwork. It also sets an example for other students in the region,” he said.
Thailand Inventors’ Day serves as a platform not only to highlight inventions but to foster ASEAN cooperation through knowledge exchange, education, and the celebration of regional excellence. The continued success of participants like those from Indonesia is a testament to the growing role of ASEAN’s younger generation in shaping a more innovative and collaborative future.
