Coding Prodigy Teams Up With Company To Develop Security Software

ALOR SETAR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- At just 16 years old, a student here, has already made waves in the world of coding and programming, catching the attention of a company that has partnered with him to develop security software.

Muhammad Khawarizmi Muhamad Kamalrul Zaman of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dato’ Syed Omar, collaborated with the company to create software used for training a national security team.

His passion for coding began in 2020 during the Movement Control Order (MCO), when he and his younger brother, Muhammad Khazini, 13, decided to create an online game.

“During the MCO, we started developing our own game and tried out different game engines until we found the right one. Then, we built a game launcher using programming languages,” he recalled.

“To better understand coding, we followed tutorials on YouTube. By the time I was in Form Three, I began studying official documents on coding and programming,” he said when met recently.

Muhammad Khawarizmi’s proficiency in coding has not only enhanced his problem-solving and innovation skills but has also contributed positively to his academic performance.

He said his deep knowledge of programming has indirectly improved his understanding of key subjects like Mathematics, Science, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Design and Technology (DT), and even English.

Meanwhile, his father, Muhamad Kamalrul Zaman Zainol, 41, shared that he had invested significant resources into his son’s passion, including selling a vehicle to purchase essential ICT equipment, such as computers and servers, for Muhammad Khawarizm.

“I believe in supporting my children’s future. Investing in coding is an investment in their future. It’s a critical field, and it’s important for their development,” he said.

The principal of SMK Dato’ Syed Omar, Noor Anizah Jamal, emphasised the school’s commitment to encouraging students to master Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, including coding and programming.

She said the school is also setting up a dedicated STEM room to further support students’ learning.

“We are developing a STEM room equipped with tools for coding and other STEM subjects. Students like Muhammad Khawarizmi are encouraged to innovate, and we ensure they participate in STEM competitions. We are always in contact with his parents, discussing projects he can be involved in,” she said.

-- BERNAMA