Small but mighty: The three teams from Petrosains Tech4All receiving a warm welcome at KL International Airport after showcasing Malaysia’s talent at the international stage at the International Robot Olympiad 2025 in Busan, Korea.
Petrosains Tech4All propels indigenous students to robotics glory, wins gold in Korea.
IT WAS a journey filled with firsts for nine indigenous students who took part in the 26th International Robot Olympiad (IRO).
For the first time, they learned robotics from scratch, competed nationally, pitched their ideas to judges and represented Malaysia on the international stage in Busan, Korea.
Among them was 12-year-old Matthew Jambai from SK Permatang Keledang, Pahang, who discovered his passion for robotics through the Petrosains Tech4All workshop.
“I’ve learnt to build and control robots, and it has been such a thrilling experience. I am proud to have had this opportunity to compete in the International Robot Olympiad and I aspire to become a teacher to inspire others in robotics,” he shared enthusiastically.
For 11-year-old Muhammad Fahrin Ammar from SK Kampong Layau, Johor, the journey has been nothing short of transformative.
“Initially, I wasn’t interested in robotics, but after joining the Petrosains Tech4All programme, I discovered a newfound love for it.
“I’ve learnt to communicate better, made new friends and gained confidence. Representing Malaysia on an international stage feels surreal,” he said.
His team developed a robot capable of lifting objects and confidently presented their project to the judges, inspiring Fahrin to become an engineer designing and programming robots.
Similarly, 11-year-old Suzie Kidiee from SK Sri Permai, Kelantan, found her passion for coding through the encouragement of her teacher.
“Coding was difficult at first, but after participating in the Petrosains Tech4All workshop, I found it easier to understand,” she explained.
Competing in Korea for the first time was an unforgettable experience for her, as she enjoyed both the competition and the crisp, cool weather.
The students’ journey began with the Petrosains Tech4All workshop, an initiative designed to equip indigenous students from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak with robotics, programming and coding skills.
Through hands-on activities and interactive learning, they grasped the fundamentals of robotics while sharpening their problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
In collaboration with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Roboteam, the programme provided an engaging introduction to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as robotics.
As part of their journey, the students had the opportunity to participate in the Petrosains RBTX Challenge 2024 under a new category – Innovation: Indigenous Culture and Technology – where they showcased innovative, sustainable solutions to challenges in their communities.
Teams from SK Kampong Layau (Kota Tinggi, Johor), SK Sri Permai (Gua Musang, Kelantan) and SK Permatang Keledang (Pekan, Pahang) excelled in the Petrosains RBTX Challenge 2024, earning an invitation to compete at IRO 2025 in Busan, Korea.
Competing against teams from across the globe was no small feat, yet the students demonstrated their newly acquired skills, resilience and ingenuity.
Najmuddin Jaafar, a teacher from SK Sri Permai, remarked: “The greatest impact of these programmes is fostering creativity and helping students expand their ideas.
“As a teacher, it is deeply fulfilling to witness their transformation and success.”
Ezzah Soffia, a teacher from SK Kampong Layau, highlighted the significance of this exposure for the students.
“We prepared them in coding, project design and public speaking to build their confidence for pitching.
“For children who have rarely stepped outside their communities, this international competition was invaluable, exposing them to new cultures and perspectives.
“Seeing them thrive on the world stage is a moment I will treasure forever.”
Mohd Zulkhairi, a teacher from SK Permatang Keledang, added: “Thanks to Petrosains for organising the Petrosains Tech4All programme for indigenous students, I have witnessed remarkable improvements in their confidence and robotics skills.
“I believe this journey will inspire more students to pursue STEM education. I am truly proud of their achievements as they compete on an international platform.”
As a learning catalyst, Petrosains provides exciting and empowering experiences that spark curiosity and foster a lifelong interest in science and innovation.
Aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), Petrosains champions inclusive STEM education, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can thrive in science and technology.
Petrosains Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Ezarisma Azni Mohamad reinforced this commitment, stating: “STEM has always been at the heart of our nation’s progress.
“Hence, we must collectively work to foster a culture of curiosity, creativity and positive change to encourage STEM learning beyond the classroom and into real-world applications.”
“At Petrosains, we believe true prosperity lies in inclusivity, diversity, and equitable access to opportunities,” he further emphasised.
“Investing in human capital is key to shaping a more innovative future. Through initiatives like Petrosains Tech4All and the RBTX Challenge, we are committed to empowering communities with the skills and mindset to drive meaningful change.”
As Petrosains celebrates its 26th anniversary, its exhibitions and programmes continue to spark curiosity and inspire communities to explore STEM education and opportunities.
Over the years, Petrosains has evolved beyond just igniting curiosity, it is powering change. Equipping individuals with knowledge and exposure to pave the way for a resilient and innovative future.
Last year, over 300 indigenous students participated in Petrosains Tech4All, with SK Permatang Keledang making history by clinching gold in the Junior Creative category (Technic) at the 26th IRO in Busan, Korea.
