Team Drama Llamas from SK Setiawangsa Kuala Lumpur won the junior category at International Science Drama Competition 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand on Sept 10.
WITH their entertaining drama titled “Aviation Revolution Journey to Sustainability”, inspired by the urgent need to mitigate the effects of climate change, team Drama Llamas from SK Setiawangsa Kuala Lumpur won the top prize in the junior category of the International Science Drama Competition 2023 (ISDC).
This marks Malaysia’s third victory in the international competition, after previously winning the title in 2018 and 2019 consecutively.
Malaysia’s Hassan Ali Rayyan Hirman Falani won the Outstanding Performer award for the junior category at ISDC. Remarkably, the 12-year-old was also named Most Outstanding Performer at the Petrosains Science Drama Competition (PSDC).
ISDC 2023, which was held at CW Tower in Bangkok, Thailand on Sept 10, saw teams from the Asian region battle it out on stage with a seven-minute drama presentation based on the theme “Producing Green, Consuming Clean”.
The theme for this year’s competition is aligned with global concerns about sustainability and commemorates 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
The competition is organised by the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (ASPAC), of which Petrosains, The Discovery Centre is a member.
The winning team represented Malaysia after winning the PSDC on July 4 in Kuala Lumpur, in which they won an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the international competition in Bangkok. PSDC is jointly organised by Petrosains and the Education Ministry.
As Petronas’ social impact arm in the pillar of STEM education, Petrosains views its involvement in PSDC as part of its contribution towards nurturing a future generation of scientifically-minded critical thinkers.
Malaysia’s Hassan Ali Rayyan Hirman Falani (right) bagged the Outstanding Performer award during the competition.
First held in 2016 as the “Malaysian Finals of ISDC”, PSDC was later renamed as the Petrosains Science Drama Competition in 2019.
The objective of the competition is to promote science through drama among the younger generation.
The mechanics of PSDC are reflective of Petrosains’ learning approach where different techniques such as performing arts are used to spark interest and inspire passion in science, as well as encourage creativity among students.
Participation for the international competition was opened to teams composed of students from primary schools under the junior category and members of the public under the open category.
Participants were required to form a maximum of 15 cast members and perform a skit on stage for no more than seven minutes, which had to combine scientific content and drama.
The performances were scored based on scientific content, cast performance, overall presentation and creativity.
SK Setiawangsa drama teacher Wan Mohamed Faris Wan Yusoff says that he is delighted with his students for accomplishing such an impressive feat.
“It feels so surreal, but I am very grateful that our hard work has paid off. We are very honoured that we got the opportunity to make Malaysia proud on an international stage,” he says.
Petrosains chief executive officer Ezarisma Azni Mohamad says, “We are extremely happy that our Malaysian team was named the winner of the competition.
“We are equally proud of all our young participants who showcased great talent and understanding of the concepts of science and sustainability through their performances.”
He emphasises that PSDC and ISDC serve as an ideal platform for demonstrating the seamless integration of science and drama, resulting in a more enriched learning experience.
“The presentations today are a testament to the fact that arts enrich the learning of science, and that science through drama can make the experience more meaningful for all those involved.
“It also gives young people the opportunity to explore activities beyond the usual classroom environment to better understand and remember the science concepts, making the whole learning experience fun and enjoyable.
“I am also thankful for the full support of Petronas that has been instrumental in our success, in both the local and international competitions, and to the Education Ministry for jointly organising the competition with us.”
SK Setiawangsa principal Maheran Ab Halim shares that this isn’t the end of the road for team Drama Llamas either, as the students will continue to compete in competitions.
“Following their win in PSDC and ISDC, they have been invited to perform during the Keramat District Education Office Open Day in September, and to compete in another national level drama competition in November,” she says.
“They also plan to join next year’s PSDC with the hope of repeating their huge success this year.
She adds that competitions such as these are the perfect platform for students to learn and grow as individuals.
“This competition has helped my students to gain invaluable experiences that will help them to grow as a person, and have unforgettable memories that I'm sure they will cherish forever,” says Maheran.
“I believe this whole experience will inspire them to keep working hard for what they want to achieve in life and to be more confident in themselves.”
As winners of the junior category team Drama Llamas earned a cash prize of RM1,972 (15,000 baht).
