(From left) Zhong Wen, Jon Ru and Joel posing with their prizes at Tech Dome.
THREE students from St Xavier’s Institution (SXI) in Penang have made their school proud by bagging the top three places in the senior category of Robomania 2020.
This robotics competition and training course was aimed at helping primary and secondary school students learn robot piloting skills.
Joel Ho, 14, Gan Zhong Wen, 14, and Mah Jon Ru, 15, won the first, second and third prizes respectively in the competition held in December last year.
Joel, who received a robot as his prize, said he was elated as he did not expect the win.
“I really loved the experience, ” he said when met at Tech Dome, Komtar, during the prize-giving ceremony on Thursday.
“I learnt so much and I enjoyed the interesting journey in fine-
tuning the codes to ensure that my robot could accurately complete the challenge.
“I was lucky to win and cannot wait to share my prize with my schoolmates.
“At school, we have a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) club and I am one of the members.”
Zhong Wen and Jon Ru each received a stormtrooper set.
“We are very grateful to have won, ” said Zhong Wen.
“This achievement will definitely motivate us to pursue STEM subjects and learn more about programming.
“We love learning and creating things so we hope that in future, we can do something related to robotics.”
The trio were among 158 participants from 31 different schools who joined the robotics competition which was held fully online.
Penang Tech Dome steering committee member Ang Lye Hin, who was present at the prize-giving ceremony in Komtar, said the competition organised by Tech Dome was the first edition held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The event’s aim was to create awareness of the vital roles of robotics and artificial intelligence in the fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).
“We wanted to show that robotics is key to a better life in the future.
“We contratulate all winners and participants of this event and hope all students had a fabulous and great learning experience, ” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy said IR4.0 was set to bring about major improvements in science and technology.
“This is why STEM education is important.
“The state has been promoting initiatives to encourage interest in STEM among the young.
“Our hope is that through programmes like these, the children of today are inspired to take on the challenges of tomorrow, ” he added.
(From left) Zhong Wen, Jon Ru and Joel posing with their prizes at Tech Dome.
Guests watching a robot performance during the prize-giving ceremony at Tech Dome in Komtar.
Participant Chong Yuk Hoong, 11, from SJK(C) Wen Khai controlling his robot at home.
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