Ceejay Faala, a junior Secondary Education major in Science at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Binalbagan Campus in Negros Occidental, has made headlines with his groundbreaking invention, the ‘pencroscope.’ This pen-sized digital microscope has earned a spot as a finalist in the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025 under the Research Project of the Year in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) category. The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 22 in Macau.
Faala’s project, titled ‘Learning with Innovated Microscope: Addressing Instrument Gap in Biology Class,’ showcases the potential of the pencroscope to bridge the gap in educational resources. The device, crafted from recycled materials like scrap electrical devices under the guidance of his research adviser Alberto De la Cruz, connects to mobile phones and televisions, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional microscopes at a tenth of the price.
Expressing his gratitude, Faala stated on Facebook, ‘To see our efforts acknowledged on such a prestigious international platform is both humbling and motivating. I am deeply grateful to my mentors, research collaborators, and everyone who believed in the vision of the pencroscope.’
CHMSU stands alone as the only Philippine institution shortlisted in the STEM category, competing against universities from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkiye. The university is currently supporting Faala in the patent registration process for the pencroscope with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
The Times Higher Education (THE) is renowned globally for its university rankings and assessments, focusing on teaching, research, international outlook, and knowledge transfer, making it a key authority in evaluating higher education institutions worldwide.