First high school team from Malaysia and Southeast Asia named semifinalist in US$101,000k global XPRIZE Healthspan Competition

• Competition aims to develop therapies that extend healthy lifespans
• Winning team stood out among top global universities, research labs & biotech firms

In a historic achievement, the BIOARMOR Team from the QuestX Incubator—comprising 16 high school students from the ACE EdVenture Group, which includes Dwi Emas, Sri Emas, and MITstem International Schools in Kuala Lumpur—has become the first-ever high school team from Malaysia and Southeast Asia to qualify as a semifinalist in the prestigious US$101 million XPRIZE Healthspan Challenge.

This global competition, touted as one of the most ambitious science prizes ever launched, aims to radically extend healthy human lifespans by developing therapeutics that restore muscle, cognitive, and immune function—helping people live longer, healthier lives.

The BIOARMOR Team distinguished itself among elite university labs, research institutions, and biotech companies worldwide, proving that Malaysia’s youth can compete and excel on the global stage.

“We’re proud to represent Malaysia and Southeast Asia as the first high school team ever to reach this milestone. It shows what young minds can achieve when given the opportunity to dream big, work hard, and collaborate deeply on real-world science,” said team leader Danny Kim.

The team’s journey began at the QuestX Incubator, a platform that empowers high school students to tackle real-world STEM challenges through hands-on research, global mentorship, and entrepreneurial thinking. Their progress has been strongly supported by SpaceQuest Asia, a dynamic youth initiative under Malaysian cybersecurity firm CyberArmour Sdn. Bhd. The team also expressed sincere thanks to the Asia School of Business (ASB) for their early sponsorship and belief in their potential.

“SpaceQuest has been a game-changer for our students. They champion youth innovation like no one else in Malaysia. We’re also deeply grateful to ASB for standing with us from the beginning,” Kim added.

As the QuestX Incubator continues its multi-year journey in the XPRIZE Healthspan Challenge, the team remains laser-focused on refining their therapeutic solution with a bold vision: to reimagine ageing—not just as a longer life, but as one that is healthier, more vibrant, and full of potential.