In its research, the team cited statistics by the American Chemical Society that showed about 129 billion disposable masks are used every month around the world.

The coconut masks proposed by the team would include two layers made of coir paper－a material commonly found in countries in the Lancang-Mekong region－and an activated carbon layer made of coconut shells that has disinfecting capabilities.

"The entire mask is organic and biodegradable, and can be used for three days," she says.

"Such a mask does not require much investment, and the materials needed are not too difficult to find. Moreover, the gradual introduction of organic products into the market will raise people's awareness of environmental protection."

Meanwhile, a team from Fudan University was conferred the "most creative team" award for their idea of an online Lancang-Mekong youth public health forum.

According to the team, young people around the world can participate in discussions regarding subjects on the forum website or create their own topics of interest.

The online forum, which would be driven by partnerships between international organizations and academic institutions, would offer high-quality learning resources, training courses, downloadable e-learning materials and occasional online lectures by scholars.

"Since the launch of the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism initiated by China in 2014, youth exchanges in the region have advanced," says Wang Bin, 20, a team member.

"Such a forum would further improve regional public health cooperation and build a Lancang-Mekong community of common health information."

Since its launch in 2016, the competition has seen over 300 innovative cases and projects presented by students from around the world, 80 percent of whom are from the region, according to Yin Dongmei, deputy secretary of the Party committee of Fudan University.

"We have deepened educational cooperation with universities from the region and jointly built an online platform for educational exchanges," she says.