Malaysia Techlympics Emphasises Inclusivity And Participation For All

NILAI, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) continues to strengthen the culture of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) through its Outreach and Inclusion Programme, held in conjunction with the Malaysia Techlympics 2025 Central Zone edition.

Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said more than 2,500 students from Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya have participated directly in the outreach programme.

“Over 350 teachers have also taken part in Training of Trainers sessions. This initiative is crucial to ensure students, especially those in rural areas, have access to quality education in line with the country’s technological advancement,” he said.

He added that the programme, which is now in its fourth year, also aims to expand access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning, particularly for rural students and their teachers.

Also present at the event was Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli, chairman of the Negeri Sembilan State Action Committee on Heritage, Technology, Innovation, and Digital.

Mohammad Yusof said in addition to formal classroom sessions, STI-based learning is also delivered through practical, hands-on activities where students gain direct exposure to technology from experts in the field.

“This approach allows for more interactive learning, especially in applying technology to everyday life,” he said, adding the programme is being held both in person and online nationwide from June to November to broaden access and participation.

The programme adopts a practical, experience-based learning model to cultivate interest, creativity, and innovation in STI, as well as highlights emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), coding, drones, and computing.

The Malaysia Techlympics 2025 Central Zone event involves students from 128 schools competing in several categories: 3.1R Global Skytech Challenge (G-SKY); 3.4R Global EZ Rover Combat Challenge (G-Rover); 4.2R Rocket Car Challenge; 5.1R 3D Printing Challenge; 6.1R World Engineering Challenge (WEC); 6.2R Forensic Crime Investigation Challenge and Viralytics: The Ground Zero.

Meanwhile, students Alham Rizqi Mohd Fairul Ikhzani, 11, and Adam Raaiq Roslie, 12, from SK Seremban 2A, were crowned winners of the G-SKY category for Negeri Sembilan after completing their task in just 42 seconds.

“This project trained us to think faster and be more creative in coding, so we could complete the task quickly. I also take coding classes to build my tech skills and learn the basics of programming,” said Alham Rizqi.

-- BERNAMA