Miri – 23 November 2023 – The recently concluded STEM Challenge Northern Sarawak Finale, held in conjunction with the STEM Playground event, which coincided with the Sarawak Career Training (SCAT) Fair at Miri City Hall, saw secondary school students from Northern Sarawak showcasing their talent and innovation in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
The event was jointly hosted by Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch with support from the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (IEEE EMBS), IEEE Industry Applications Society (IEEE IAS), and All Aboard Young Leaders Centre.
The STEM Playground aimed to promote STEM knowledge among youth in Northern Sarawak and the wider community. The two-day event provided an opportunity for participants to explore and experience some of the latest technologies and pedagogies in STEM.
The STEM Challenge was divided into two tracks – Science and Technology. Students were challenged to innovate and hone their critical thinking skills by creating projects that addressed relevant issues faced by their community. Under the guidance of their teachers and mentors, these bright young minds put their knowledge and skills to the test.
The Science Track witnessed the participants tackling various scientific problems with creative solutions, demonstrating a deep understanding of scientific principles and an ability to apply them to real-world issues.
In the Tech Track, the students showcased their prowess in emerging technologies and computer science. They developed innovative applications, devices, and software solutions that tackled challenges in the community.
After several rounds of intense competition, the panel of judges selected the top performers for each track. The winners impressed the judges with their passion, knowledge, and creativity.
“We were amazed by the level of talent and innovation displayed by the participating students. They truly exemplified the limitless potential of young minds in Northern Sarawak,” said Professor Garenth Lim King Hann, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Curtin Malaysia and one of the judges.
Coming out tops in the Science Track was Team GNZ from Knewton Global Schools comprising Nikhil Ilanthirayan A/L Arun Ilanthirayan, Zachary Robert Loong Sim, and Gavyn Marc Labunda.
“I am very glad I participated in this event and thrilled that our team came out on tops. Our project involved creating a system to scan car plates and announce students’ names, a potential addition to our school, and we really enjoyed working on it, and pitching it to the judges,” said Labunda.
In second place was Team Monhiu from SMK Kidurong, while Team The Think Tank from SMK Lutong came in third. Winning consolation prizes in the Science Track were Team Solution Seeker from SMK Luar Bandar and Team Phoenix SMEDA 2 from SMK Medamit.
Top-place winners in the Tech track was Team Eco Tech from SMK Lutong comprising Dayangku Zufayra, Constantine Samson, and Kalpana Murugayah, followed by Team DNA from SMK Lutong in second place, and Team So Called Engineers from SMK Lutong in third place. The consolation prize winners were Team SebaSS07 from SMK Sebauh and Team The Think Tank from SMK Lutong.
“Our participation in the 2023 STEM Playground and STEM Challenge was an unforgettable experience. Although the competition was challenging, especially in the midst of various school activities and trial exams, we were nevertheless determined to meet the challenge,and learn and experience as much as we could in the process. We are really glad our project, Microplactic, made it to the top of the Tech Track,” said Dayangku Zufayra.
Presenting the prizes to the winners was Deputy Minister II for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan, along with Head of TEGAS Digital Village Manzoor Hayat Khan, and, Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu.
The successful conclusion of the STEM Playground highlights the importance of promoting STEM education and its practical applications in solving real-world problems.
IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch president Alan Tiong Ka Wei said, “This event is an impactful annual event organised by IEEE to support STEM education and learning, at the same time instilling the spirit of volunteerism among IEEE members.”
“The event not only provides a platform for students to foster their interest in STEM but also presents an opportunity for networking and collaboration among the participants, students, educators, and industry professionals.”
Meanwhile, Fredrik Kevin Anak Buseli, Senior Manager for TEGAS Community Innovative Learning, said, “STEM Playground Miri has been highly successful in fostering curiosity and knowledge in STEM. It continues to serve as a dynamic platform for the nurturing of young minds through engaging, hands-on activities and cutting-edge learning methodologies.”
“This programme not only cultivates a passion for STEM subjects but also equips the participants with essential skills for the future. Furthermore, it enriches the local community.”
Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at www.curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Online Education Fair 线上教育展
Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia)
科廷大学马来西亚分校
https://edufair.fsi.com.my/curtin
