Chow (centre) posing with representatives of SXI, the champion of the Robomania and Grand STEM Challenge, and contest organisers. With him are (from left) Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association head Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, SXI teacher Ten Lee Vui, SXI principal Goh Hong Peng, Intel Corporation general manager Ngoo Seong Boon, SXI board of governors chairman Victor Tan, state trade and industry and entrepreneurial development committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and SK St Xavier headmistress Soon Yeong Nee.
WITH the rapidly growing innovations in the field of robotics, there is an urgent need to take STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education to the next level.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said new teachings were required in the robotics field and STEM education needed to be in tune with the changes.
“Diverse fields all use robotics to advance.
“They include the automative, e-commerce, medical technology, food, water conservation and space economy sectors.
“As such, robotics have become an integral part of Industry 4.0 and can be a driving force of the state’s economy.”
Chow was speaking during the Robomania and Grand STEM Challenge prize presentation ceremony at Tech Dome Penang.
“The simple act of bringing robots into classrooms allows us to provide hands-on STEM knowledge to the curious minds of our young talents,” he said.
The whole process, said Chow, must be intellectually stimulating and enjoyable to help children learn how robotics work and thirst for STEM knowledge.
Another advantage of robotics is its wide use as an educational tool that can be expanded into community programmes.
“Robotics promotes community involvement like this Robomania and Grand STEM Challenge which drew students who enjoyed the opportunity,” added Chow.
St Xavier’s Institution emerged the overall champion. Other schools were awarded prizes in various categories.
Chow (centre) posing with representatives of SXI, the champion of the Robomania and Grand STEM Challenge, and contest organisers. With him are (from left) Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association head Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, SXI teacher Ten Lee Vui, SXI principal Goh Hong Peng, Intel Corporation general manager Ngoo Seong Boon, SXI board of governors chairman Victor Tan, state trade and industry and entrepreneurial development committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and SK St Xavier headmistress Soon Yeong Nee.
Students preparing the robotics items to be displayed at their exhibition booth during Learning Enviroment' Filepic
