Jakarta Student's Kombucha Bandage Research Presented at International Conference

Kayla, a student from Jakarta, has gained international recognition for her innovative research on sustainable wound dressings. She presented her findings on bandages made from SCOBY, a byproduct of kombucha fermentation, at The NorthCap University in India. Her paper, "Chitosan-Guar Gum Coated SCOBY Bacterial Cellulose As A Potential Material For Sustainable Wound Dressing," was published in the International Journal of Environmental Sciences.

This research not only highlights a promising alternative for wound care but also earned Kayla a competitive Global Youth Action Fund Grant of $2,500. Beyond her scientific endeavors, Kayla has demonstrated leadership as a former OSIS President and Deputy Secretary-General of Model United Nations, alongside numerous international academic awards in mathematics and science.

Kayla credits her holistic development to her 15 years at Binus School Simprug, where she was encouraged to explore diverse fields, including singing and traditional dance. School Principal Isaac Koh noted that 90 percent of the 2026 graduating class are accepted into overseas universities, attributing this success to the school's full implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The IBDP is recognized globally for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on independent research, interdisciplinary thinking, and scientific ethics.

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I focus more on academic competitions, but here (Binus School Simprug) I can also explore more fields outside of academics, such as Singing Club or traditional dance. For 15 years from kindergarten to high school, I was encouraged to develop holistically.