Malaysia Techlympics 2025 Draws Over 1.8 Mln Student Entries

MELAKA, Nov 10 (Bernama) — The Malaysia Techlympics 2025 recorded 1,804,954 student entries at the preliminary stage involving the Northern, Central, Eastern, Southern, Sabah and Sarawak zones, according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

Minister Chang Lih Kang said out of this number, which registered after registration opened in May, 4,750 participants from 1,289 teams competed in the two-day National Zone Stage Finals, which concluded today with the holding of 35 competitions at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC).

“As part of MOSTI's commitment and initiative to ensure inclusivity and that no targeted group is left behind, MOSTI, through the Malaysia Techlympics 2025 Inclusivity Outreach Programme, implemented 85 outreach programmes across various locations to encourage participation among students from rural areas.

“MOSTI is committed to ensuring that the nation’s young generation is prepared for a future driven by emerging technologies, including autonomous robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), which are increasingly used and gaining traction across multiple sectors such as manufacturing and services in both upstream and downstream industries,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Malaysia Techlympics 2025 National Finals, officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh here today.

Also present were MOSTI secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, State Senior Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Datuk Rais Yasin, and State Executive Councillor for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan.

Chang said MOSTI’s determination and efforts to strengthen the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) agenda are not only focused on policy formulation at the federal level but also require proactive involvement and strong commitment from state governments.

He said this approach is particularly crucial for strategic and large-scale initiatives that demand a Whole-of-Nation movement, including the development of future industries such as space technology, the rare earth elements (REE) industry, green technology, AI, robotics, and other high-impact sectors.

He added that close cooperation between the federal and state governments is vital to creating a comprehensive and sustainable innovation ecosystem, as reflected through the platform of the Meeting of Ministers and State Executive Council Members Responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation (MEXCO-STI) held earlier in the day.

“This meeting discussed the direction of STI development in the country and strengthened the role of state governments as key drivers of implementation at the grassroots level.

“This, in turn, demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to strengthening national coordination, enhancing implementation frameworks, and ensuring that states fully harness their potential in a knowledge- and innovation-based economy,” he said.

The Malaysia Techlympics 2025 also attracted participation from countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, China and Mongolia.

The programme also marked a new milestone for MOSTI by securing two records in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) — for the Largest Participation in an International Youth STEM Competition and for the Most Drones Flown Simultaneously Indoors.

— BERNAMA