Developing thinking, memory skills

(Front row,seated,from left) Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement treasurer Ong Whee Tiong, committee member Tan Sri Dr.Ng Yen Yen, Dr.Ling, mind mapping competition judge Tiew Lee Keong, (second row, standing, from left) speed reading competition judge Justin Woo, memory competition chief judge Teo Kim Foo, mental calculation competition judge West Wong, mind mapping competition judge Jeyaraman Seenivasagam and memory competition judge Wong Wan Jiun hold flyers for the 15th Malaysia Festival of the Mind at its launch.

HOW often have we been told that our mind is our strongest power?

That if we set our mind to achieve something, we can do it?

Understanding the wonders our minds can do, the Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) are back this year to organise the 15th Malaysia Festival of the Mind (MFotM).

The event aims to develop thinking, memory and creativity skills through the empowerment of the mind.

MMLM chairman Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik said brain skills are vital.

“We want to try training all Malaysians to have brain skills (such as) memory skills, thinking skills, creativity skills, how to use the right brain and speed reading.

“The entrance is free and we target every Malaysian to attend the competition because we want to educate as many people as possible,” he said at the launch last week.

This year will see the addition of two new categories to the previous three, namely a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) workshop and Speed Reading Competition.

The objective behind the introduction of the STEM workshop and Speed Reading Competition, is to increase STEM literacy and to provide authentic STEM learning experiences to students, and promote the interest of reading among the younger generation, respectively.

The three other main categories are Memory Competition, Mind Mapping Competition and Mental Calculation Competition.

West Wong, the mental calculation competition judge, said the competition is a platform to increase awareness on the power of the mind.

“Our brain is capable of calculating numbers quickly and effectively.“Today, due to artificial intelligence and big data, having knowledge on numbers is becoming increasingly important.

“Mental calculation is a good foundation towards (building interest) in STEM among students; it creates an interest towards Mathematics at an early stage,” he added.

Memory competition judge Wong Wan Jiun said a good memory is key, as learning is an ongoing process.

“Without it, learning becomes impossible.

“However, we cannot deny the importance of technology at the same time,” he added.

The MFotM creates awareness to inform people that, although we are not born with a “talented” brain, it can be trained, he said.

The competition is open to all ages, from preschool children, to school and varsity students, working adults and retirees.

The MFotM aims to introduce and promote techniques and skills to improve mental literacy among Malaysians.

Cash prizes worth RM60,000 are up for grabs.

There will be five consolation prizes worth RM100 each, while RM500 will be awarded under the Best School prize, Special Prize for Senior citizens (age 60 and above) and the Children category (age nine and below), for each category.

The competition will be held on April 13 at the UTAR Sungai Long campus.

For more details, visit MMLM at www.utar.edu.my/mmlm by April 5, e-mail [e-mail] or call 03 9019 8088.