KUCHING: A teenager has deve­loped an application for digital textbooks with the aim of reducing dependency on physical books.

Ahmad Zulfadzli Khamidi, 13, developed the app in just two weeks with training and guidance from the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creative Centre (MaGIC) at Borneo744 in Bintawa here.

He said the idea for the app came from his own experience of getting bored and sleepy quickly when studying textbooks.

“However, I faced some constraints in realising my dream. I had an idea but did not have the know-how in designing and writing the software codes for the app,” the second of four siblings told Berna­ma.

Ahmad Zulfadzli and his mother Norhasyimah Ahmad Merrican, 38, then went to Borneo744 (a Blue Ocean Entrepreneurs Township) for advice and were surprised that programmes to learn the basics and principles of coding were offered for free there.

He said with this app, teachers no longer need to mark every exercise and exam paper, students do not have to bring books to schools and there would be no question of missing textbooks or insufficient stationery.

“The app is easy to use and suitable for students of all ages, whether in the primary, secondary or university level.

“For a start, it has English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mathe­ma­tics and Science, but more can be added on later,” he said.

Ahmad Zulfadzli’s creation saw him winning the junior category of Hack Weekend KCH, a hacktahon held in conjunction with Tegas Youth Forum 2017 at the Borneo Convention Centre on Oct 14.

He said he was now in the process of completing his second app for small entrepreneurs in Sarawak to market their products.