At just 14 years old, Umar Yusuf Muhammad Nizar, a Form 2 student of The Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK), has already found himself standing on a stage where ideas, innovation, and the future of sustainable energy converged.

At ISES 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Umar was given the honour of opening the international summit, addressing an audience that included industry leaders, policymakers, and prominent figures in the energy sector. For a young Koleq student, it was an extraordinary moment. Yet behind that moment lay months of experimentation, perseverance, teamwork, and an unwavering belief in an idea.

Umar, together with his teammates Zahirulhaq, Iqbal, and Hareez, earned first place in the Young Energy Explorer Program (YEEPE) Innovators 2026 with their project, MRGT (Micro Rain Gutter Turbine), an innovative solution designed to harness energy from rainwater that would otherwise go to waste.

The journey began with the team’s selection as finalists under the theme AGUAFLUX. Rather than simply celebrating their place in the finals, the team decided to push their idea further. Night after night, they worked to turn their concept into a functional prototype, while regularly consulting mentors from the SEDA YEEPE programme to deepen their understanding and prepare for the Grand Final presentation.

Their work extended far beyond the prototype itself. The team developed their presentation, produced physical posters, designed their project logo, and explored digital 3D modelling using Shapr3D. Along the way, they delved into wiring, sensors, mechanics, and physics, gaining first-hand experience in transforming an idea on paper into something that could work in the real world.

Following their victory in YEEPE Innovators 2026, the team was invited to send a representative to ISES 2026. Umar took on the opportunity to represent MCKK as a youth speaker, with Zahirulhaq accompanying him, sharing their experience and perspectives on how innovation can inspire young minds to explore their potential and pursue their ambitions.

For Umar, however, the experience became much more than a competition.

“Innovation brings joy. It’s the will to drive and find satisfaction in your success, and crave for more.”

That sense of fulfilment came not only from winning, but from the journey itself. He described the experience of learning, struggling, experimenting, and laughing alongside his teammates as one of the most meaningful parts of the process.

For him, innovation is not simply about creating something impressive. It is about creating something that can help someone, while discovering what is possible along the way.

The experience also opened his eyes to the wider challenges surrounding energy consumption and sustainable energy in Malaysia. From exploring digital design platforms to handling hardware tools and constructing a working prototype, Umar found himself learning skills far beyond the classroom.

“I felt like an engineer, if I’m being honest.”

Perhaps one of the most important lessons he took away from the experience was the value of teamwork. Umar reflected on the importance of understanding his teammates, adapting to their strengths and weaknesses, and working together through the inevitable ups and downs of a project.

Even after their victory, the team is not stopping there. Umar and his teammates plan to continue developing MRGT into a more refined prototype that could potentially be used at school. For these young innovators, winning is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of another.

His advice to other students is simple but powerful:

“Innovation is fun, but together.”

He encourages students to explore innovation even when an idea may initially seem uninteresting, because the experience itself can offer valuable lessons. Whether designing, building, presenting, experimenting, or simply creating something alongside friends, Umar believes that innovation begins with the willingness to explore.

His journey reached another remarkable moment at ISES 2026, where he stood on the KLCC stage to open an international summit.

There, Umar and Zahirulhaq also had the opportunity to meet the Minister of Economy, a MCKK alumnus. It was a memorable encounter between young Koleq students at the beginning of his journey and an Old Boy who had gone on to serve the nation.

From a rain gutter to a working turbine, from late-night experimentation to the international stage, Umar’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation does not wait for age. It begins with curiosity, courage, and the willingness to turn an idea into action.

MCKK proudly celebrates Umar Yusuf, Zahirulhaq, Iqbal, and Hareez for their remarkable achievement and, more importantly, for demonstrating the spirit of young innovators who are willing to think boldly, build collaboratively, and create for a better future.

From an idea to a working prototype, from the school laboratory to the international stage, the journey of these young Koleq innovators has only just begun.

MCKK takes great pride in celebrating yet another achievement by its young innovators as GoKitar, a student-led innovation by four Form Four students, was featured on Malaysia Hari Ini (MHI), TV3, on 2 September 2026 aunder the segment “Inovasi Pelajar, Memanfaatkan Komuniti.”

The feature marked a proud moment for The Malay College Kuala Kangsar, as the students shared their journey of turning an idea into a solution that is now making its way into the community. GoKitar was developed by MC Kitar4Impact, comprising Amir Rayyan, Anas Rayyan, Azfar Hafeez and Faaeq Nadeem, under the guidance of teacher advisor Encik Mohd Nurhafiz Aman Shah.

At its heart, GoKitar seeks to tackle a problem close to home: the wastage of grocery and retail products that are still safe and suitable for use. Through the platform, participating retailers can offer these products to consumers at more affordable prices, while selected products can also be channelled towards charitable purposes. In doing so, GoKitar seeks to turn waste into opportunity, affordability and community benefit.

Yet, the story of GoKitar began long before its appearance on national television.

The idea grew from Last Chance Groceries (LCG), an earlier innovation developed by Anas and Amir. Following their return from Regeneron ISEF 2025 in Ohio, United States, where they presented LCG and received the Oracle Academy Special Award, the two boys were determined to take their idea beyond the competition stage. The question was no longer simply, “Can we build it?” but “Can we make it work in the real world?” With Faaeq and Azfar joining the team, that ambition grew into what would become GoKitar.

Through Toyota Eco Youth 2026, the students were given the platform to turn that ambition into action. Today, GoKitar is being piloted with five local retailers and a community partner, with the team aiming to reach at least 200 users, save at least 300 products from being wasted and achieve a minimum 30% reduction in waste among participating businesses. Through “Misi Selamatkan 300 Produk,” the students are also inviting the wider community to take part in their mission.

For these young innovators, however, the experience has been about more than developing an application. It has been a journey of learning how to identify real problems, engage with businesses, test solutions, gather evidence and measure impact. More importantly, it has shown them that innovation does not have to remain within the four walls of a classroom or on a competition presentation board. It can step into the community and make a difference.

Their appearance on Malaysia Hari Ini was therefore more than a moment in the spotlight. It was a celebration of a journey that began with an idea, developed through perseverance, strengthened through teamwork and has now taken its first steps towards real-world implementation.

For MCKK, this is a moment worth celebrating. The College is immensely proud of these young innovators for carrying the spirit of innovation beyond the classroom and into the wider community. Their journey reflects what MCKK hopes to nurture in every Koleq student: the courage to think differently, the determination to turn ideas into action, and the conviction that knowledge is most meaningful when it is used to serve others.

GoKitar is more than a student project. It is a testament to what can happen when young minds are given the freedom to imagine, the courage to experiment and the opportunity to create meaningful change.

MCKK celebrates this achievement with immense pride and looks forward to seeing these young innovators continue to turn ideas into impact.

The weekly assembly at The Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) took on a special significance on 18 August 2026 with the Majlis Peluncuran School Anti-Bullying Framework for Empowerment (SAFE).

The launch marks an important step in MCKK’s continued commitment to fostering a school environment that is safe, supportive, and free from bullying. More than a framework, SAFE reflects a shared commitment to building a culture of respect, responsibility, and care throughout the school community.

We were honoured to welcome Inspektor Nadiah binti Radenan (Penolong Pegawai Perhubungan Sekolah), as the guest of honour. In her address, she raised awareness about the various forms of bullying 

and emphasised that bullying is not merely a disciplinary matter, but an offence with serious consequences. She reminded students that those who engage in bullying may still be investigated regardless of their age, reinforcing the importance of accountability for every action.

Adding a strong student voice to the launch, the Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS) contributed through a profound and thought-provoking speech delivered by their representative, followed by an awareness video on   bullying.

Through their words and actions, the PRS demonstrated their commitment to looking out for their peers, speaking up against bullying, and fostering a safer, more supportive, and more compassionate environment.

He reminded students that excellence must be accompanied by discipline, integrity, and accountability, while encouraging the entire MCKK community to uphold the standards of expectations. 

To inspire the community further, he shared two powerful messages: “Dari Kuala Kangsar untuk Negara” and “Tahun 2026, Kita Bangkit.” The former serves as a reminder of MCKK’s enduring responsibility to nurture individuals who will carry the values and character cultivated in Kuala Kangsar into service of the nation. The latter calls upon the entire Koleq community to rise together, overcome challenges, and pursue greater heights with renewed determination.

Taken together, the launch of SAFE is therefore more than the introduction of a framework; it is a collective pledge to say no to bullying, care for one another, and take responsibility for safeguarding the well-being of every member of the MCKK community. As we carry forward the spirit of “Dari Kuala Kangsar untuk Negara”, may we remember that the character we build within these walls will shape the contribution we make beyond them. And with the rallying call of “Tahun 2026, Kita Bangkit,” may the MCKK community rise together with greater courage, stronger resolve, and a renewed commitment to building a Koleq where every individual is respected, protected, and empowered to thrive.

From 19 to 25 July, three MCKK students proudly represented Malaysia as the nation’s sole delegation at the 17th Hwa Chong Asia Pacific Young Leaders Summit, hosted by Hwa Chong Institution, Singapore. Bringing together outstanding young leaders from 13 Asia-Pacific countries, the summit served as a platform for cross-cultural collaboration, leadership development and meaningful dialogue under the theme “Intelligence by Design, Humanity by Intent.”

Representing MCKK were Alif bin Ikmal Hisham (4S1), Muhammad Arif Zayd bin Abdullah (4S2) and Muhammad Faiz bin Razman (4S2). Throughout the week-long programme, they joined fellow delegates in exchanging ideas, tackling global issues and building meaningful connections with like-minded youth leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Beyond academic discussions, the summit also celebrated cultural exchange. As cultural ambassadors, the MCKK delegation introduced the richness of Malaysian heritage through interactive cultural showcases. Fellow delegates had the opportunity to experience traditional games such as batu seremban, congkak and jianzi, before enjoying a lively kompang performance that reflected the vibrancy and uniqueness of Malay culture.

More than just a leadership programme, the summit broadened the students’ global perspectives, strengthened their appreciation of cultural diversity and underscored the importance of empathy, collaboration and innovation in addressing contemporary global challenges. The experience has undoubtedly equipped them with the confidence and perspective to become future leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

Congratulations to Alif, Arif and Faiz for representing MCKK and Malaysia with distinction. Their dedication, professionalism and exemplary conduct throughout the summit have brought honour to MCKK while further strengthening its presence on the international stage.

The Malay College Kuala Kangsar proudly welcomes Tuan Haji Ahmad Salehin bin Sha’ari as the new Principal of The Malay College Kuala Kangsar, effective 29 June 2026.

His appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the proud history of MCKK, as Koleq continues its enduring commitment to nurturing gentlemen of character, excellence, and distinction.

Bringing with him a wealth of experience in educational leadership, Tuan Haji Ahmad Salehin has dedicated his career to strengthening schools, empowering educators, and inspiring students to achieve their fullest potential. His journey reflects a deep commitment to education and a passion for developing individuals who are not only successful in their pursuits, but also guided by strong values and principles.

Prior to his appointment at MCKK, Tuan Haji Ahmad Salehin served as a Pegawai SISC+ Bahasa, contributing towards the enhancement of teaching and learning practices through professional guidance and educational support. His leadership journey continued through his appointments as Principal of SMK Tronoh and subsequently SMK Sultan Yussuf, where he led with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for excellence.

Beyond his contributions in educational leadership, Tuan Haji Ahmad Salehin is also recognised as a Munsyi Dewan of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, reflecting his deep appreciation and expertise in the Malay Language. This recognition highlights his commitment towards cultivating knowledge, preserving language heritage, and promoting intellectual growth.

Guiding his leadership at MCKK is his philosophy of “Manliness through Wisdom”, a principle that reflects his aspiration to develop individuals who possess both strength of character and depth of thought.

For Tuan Haji Ahmad Salehin, manliness is defined not by status or power, but by the values that shape a true gentleman: integrity, discipline, moral courage, and responsibility. Meanwhile, wisdom is cultivated through knowledge, hikmah, sound judgement, and humility.

As he shares:

“Apabila keberanian dipimpin oleh kebijaksanaan, lahirlah seorang gentleman.”
When courage is guided by wisdom, a gentleman is born.

This philosophy aligns closely with the spirit of MCKK’s motto, “Fiat Sapientia Virtus”, reminding the Koleq community that true distinction is achieved when knowledge is accompanied by virtue, and courage is guided by wisdom. Together, these principles continue to shape MCKK’s enduring mission of producing gentlemen who lead with honour, serve with humility, and contribute meaningfully to society.

With his guiding principle, “Satu Pasukan, Satu Nama, Satu Maruah” (One Team, One Name, One Honour), Tuan Haji Ahmad Salehin envisions a united MCKK community where every member of this prestigious institution works together towards a shared aspiration. Through collaboration, commitment, and collective pride, the MCKK family will continue to uphold its legacy while embracing new opportunities for growth and excellence.

As MCKK welcomes this new era of leadership, the entire Koleq community extends its warmest welcome to HM Tuan Haji Ahmad Salehin bin Sha’ari. May his leadership inspire, his wisdom guide, and his vision continue to strengthen the legacy of The Malay College Kuala Kangsar.

Selamat datang, HM Tuan Haji Ahmad Salehin bin Sha’ari.

Together, we move forward as one team, one name, one honour.