National champion: The team from Akademi Sains Pendang posing for a photo with (from fourth left) MRANTI innovation ecosystem head Wan Mohd Farhan, Lee, Ilylia, and MDEC digital adoption division head Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad.
Akademi Sains Pendang will represent Malaysia at the FIRST Global Challenge 2025 in Panama City this October.
The FIRST Global Challenge is a prestigious international robotics competition that brings together teams from over 180 countries, united in the mission to solve global challenges through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and innovation.
Malaysia’s brightest young roboticists are set to compete on the global stage after they were crowned champion during the national-level competition recently, a press release dated July 25 read.
Roboticist is the FIRST Global Challenge 2025 partner for the national-level selection stage, which is supported by Lam Research, and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Team Malaysia will be mentored by national diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri, who will be guiding the students on how to thrive under pressure.
“As an Olympian, I know what it takes to perform on the world stage.
“I see the same spirit of excellence and dedication in these students,” she said, adding that robotics is not just about machines, but also about teamwork, precision and heart.
Top talents: Students from across Malaysia put their robots to the test during the national-level challenge.
Roboticist founder Ilylia Kamaruzaman said its mission is to make robotics accessible, exciting and competitive just like any major sport.
“With Dhabitah on board and national partners stepping up, we are building more than just a team but a movement for young people to develop their skills in STEM while preparing them for the workforce,” she said.
The other three team mentors are from Lam Research, a global supplier of wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.
“We are proud to mentor the students in this competition.
“This initiative allows us to inspire and equip the next generation of technology leaders through transformative learning and help grow the STEM talent pipeline for future semiconductor industry careers,” said Lam Manufacturing Malaysia general manager Lee Eng Keat.
The international competition, said MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil, exemplifies how global platforms ignite ideas and ambition, build resilience, and accelerate the growth of future digital leaders.
“At MDEC, we are committed to nurturing high-potential talent, strengthening STEM capabilities and empowering Malaysian youth to thrive in the digital economy at home and on the world stage.
“All the best to Team Malaysia as they go on to represent our nation with skill, teamwork and passion,” he said.
