In a proud moment for Malaysian education and grassroots innovation, SJKT Pulau Carey Barat has made international headlines by winning Gold at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2025, triumphing in the Elementary School category among over 900 teams from 15 countries.
The winning project, titled ‘MushVita’, is a functional herbal tea developed by a team of Year 6 students. It aims to help manage diabetes and prevent diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause irreversible vision loss. The students, guided by their teachers and supported by the school leadership, impressed international judges with their focus on health, sustainability, and affordability, a blend of traditional wisdom and scientific research.
What is MushVita?
MushVita is a carefully formulated herbal tea that combines oyster mushrooms, dragon fruit, holy basil (tulsi), ginger, and lemongrass, all ingredients known for their blood-sugar regulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The project stands out not just for its health benefits but also for its sustainable packaging: the tea is prepared in biodegradable tea bags, making it and eco-conscious and convenient heath solution.
More than just a school science project, MushVita is the result of critical thinking around real-world healthcare issues. The students sought to create a natural alternative to chemical-based supplements, one that could be affordable, effective, and sae for daily use, especially for vulnerable communities.
Inspired by National Health Crisis
The motivation behind MushVita was deeply rooted in one of Malaysia’s growing health concerns, diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Research showed that 13.5% to 35% of diabetic patience experience some form of DR, with more than 10% of visual impairment among the elderly attributed to the condition.
This public health issue is particularly pronounced among B40 (low-income) groups, many of whom struggle to afford consistent medical care or access to preventive screenings. The young innovators from SJKT Pulau Carey Barat wanted to address this gap by developing a health solution that was natural and affordable. Their approach was to draw from herbal traditions while backing their claims with scientific research, creating a product that is both culturally resonant and medically relevant.
A Dedicated Team Behind the Vision
The team behind MushVita includes five passionate Year 6 students including, Sai Kavesh Saravanan, Thanosini Kamala Kannan, Kiruthiga Annadurai, Kavilashini Vailmurugan, and Kirtika Kunasegaran.
They were mentored and guided by their teachers, Vasagai Gandan (Head of Mentor) and Bavithtira Sellappa, and strong support from their headmaster, Mr.Steven Anthony. The collaborative spirit between students and educators were the root to build the idea from concept to competition-ready innovation.
The MushVita project is a reminder that innovation is not just about technology, its about empathy, purpose and awareness. These Year 6 students have managed to weave together culture, science and sustainability into a product that is simple in appearance but profound in its intent.
As SJKT Pulau Carey Barat celebrates the golden achievement, they’re not just winning medals but planting seeds for a healthier future.
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