With the commitment to empower school students, MySmart Upnoghori STEM Innovation Challenge 2022 was held at Manipal International University in Nilai, Negri Sembilan.
A STATE-level science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competition was held as part of efforts to empower schoolchildren in Negri Sembilan.
The Mysmart Upnoghori STEM Innovation Challenge 2022 was organised by Manipal International University in Nilai and book publisher Everbest Media, in collaboration with Education Ministry and the state Education Department.
The two-day competition saw the participation of 10 student groups in the Middle School category and nine groups in the Primary School category, with each group consisting of three students representing their respective schools.
Two stages of competition were held before the final winners were chosen from each category.
On the first day, the qualifying stage saw all 19 groups compete in their respective categories.
Six groups later advanced to the final round on the second day.
Manipal International University vice-chancellor Professor Dr Jason Fitzsimmons said: “As one of the universities in Negri Sembilan, Manipal International University has always been committed to providing support to the local community and sharing opportunities from an early stage to capture the interests of the younger generation.
“The need for increasing participation in the STEM fields is due to the high demand for these skills in industry and to meet the future needs of Malaysia’s workforce.
“By organising a competition such as this and focusing on primary and secondary school students, we hope it will enhance much-needed awareness and interest while inspiring students to pursue their ambitions.”
Negri Sembilan Education Department director Datuk Dr Fiah Jamin said, “The department is very serious in our efforts to produce teachers and students who are ever ready to face the challenges of life in the future.
“In that regard, the introduction of STEM through close cooperation with private organisations such as Manipal International University and Everbest Media, will receive strong support from this department’s leadership,” he added.
During the competition, the students took part in an innovation challenge as well as workshops to further strengthen their knowledge of STEM.
Based on their needs and understanding of the project, the participants were given scheduled online and face-to-face guidance weeks before the challenge.
A prize-giving ceremony and photo session were held during the competition’s closing ceremony.
