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SANDAKAN: Politeknik Sandakan Sabah (PSS) won second place at the Anugerah Inovasi Mayor DBKK 2025 in Kota Kinabalu recently with their project, “Fibrebites Cookies.”

The team – Andikah Nurhayat Razanali, Cybrian Cyril Ireneus, Crissy Yaduin, and Grace Ang Suh Yie – received a cash prize of RM3,500, along with a trophy and certificate.

What began as a classroom experiment eventually culminated in a podium finish, and the team expressed their happiness at being able to present and complete the project at the competition.

They said the team did not just want to bake a cookie, but aimed to solve a problem.

Recognising the growing need for healthy yet accessible snacks, the “Fibrebites” team spent countless hours perfecting a recipe that balanced nutritional value with a taste that would appeal to the masses.

Under the watchful eye and unwavering support of their mentor, Ts. Nurul Safeza Abdul Hajis, the students navigated the challenges of product development, from sourcing sustainable ingredients to meeting rigorous food safety standards.

“There were moments of doubt, especially when the texture wasn’t quite right or the results didn’t match our vision,” shared team member Andikah Nurhayat.

“But our mentor kept pushing us to look at the ‘why’ behind our work. This win isn’t just for us – it’s for every student in Sandakan who has a big idea but is afraid to try,” she added.

The judges at the Mayor’s Innovation Award were reportedly impressed not only by the product’s market readiness, but also by the team’s passion during their pitch.

The RM3,500 prize money, while significant, is seen by the students as “seed capital” for their future aspirations in the food technology industry.

For PSS, this victory is a deeply personal one. It highlights the close-knit bond between faculty and students, where mentorship goes beyond the syllabus to foster real-world resilience.

As the team returns to Sandakan, they are carrying more than just certificates – they also carry the hopes of their peers. Their success serves as a powerful reminder that with a bit of “fibre” – both in their cookies and in their character – Sabah’s youth can compete and win at the highest levels.

Fibrebites Cookies is an innovative snack designed by PSS students to provide a high-fibre, healthy alternative to traditional treats. It aims to address modern dietary gaps while supporting local ingredient sourcing.

At the event, Kumpulan I-Wass, consisting of Ts. Dr. Hasmawi Khalid, Dr. Mohd Isa Jaffar, and Ts. Rozie Ahmat – lecturers from the Department of Civil Engineering at Politeknik Kota Kinabalu – won first place.

Meanwhile, Kumpulan Flytech, consisting of Earl Caine Shah, Josses John Jinus, Erry Putra, Syawal Hidayat, and Valcaine Muffid from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tamparuli, placed third.