KUANTAN: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) is committed to nurturing interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among Malaysians, especially students and youth, through the Malaysia Techlympics programme.
Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said the programme is in line with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021-2030 which emphasises the integrated, consistent, and inclusive implementation of initiatives to foster interest in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
He said the programme, which started last July and runs until November, is being implemented nationwide through both physical and online platforms to enhance participation and accessibility for the local community.
"The main objective of Malaysia Techlympics is to cultivate a culture of STI within the target group through hands-on and informal approach, along with experiential learning and competitions involving students and youth of all ages, genders, and races.
"Looking at the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to the country, the Malaysia Techlympics programme places emphasis on the latest technological aspects such as coding, computing, and drones, providing early exposure to students and youth in this fast-evolving field,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the East Coast Zone Malaysia Techlympics 2024 here yesterday.
Mohammad Yusof said exposing students to the latest technology through the Malaysia Techlympics programme is in line with the mission of advancing the country within the global innovation value chain.
"The skills and knowledge acquired through these programmes can serve as a foundation for talent development, thereby contributing to the country’s research and development (R&D) efforts to realise Malaysia’s goal of becoming a high-tech nation by 2030,” he said.
Malaysia Techlympics 2024, an initiative by Mosti, is entering its third year after being launched in 2022. The programme features competitions in technology areas such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), drones, coding, and robotics, conducted at both state and zone levels.
The East Coast Zone Malaysia Techlympics 2024 was the first to be held at the zone level, and will next be implemented for the northern, central, southern, Sabah, and Sarawak zones.
Nearly 1,000 participants from Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan competed in the East Coast Zone Malaysia Techlympics 2024 at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) on Aug 7 and 8, vying for a spot in the final stage scheduled for November in Putrajaya. - Bernama
