WITH the rapid technological advancement in the field of robotics, there is an urgent need to take STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education to the next level.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this during the Robomania and Grand STEM Challenge prize presentation ceremony held at Tech Dome Penang this afternoon.
At the event, Chow was given a warm welcome with a spectacular drone light show.
“Thank you for welcoming me with the display of drone lights, it was something special.
“It cannot be denied that robotics will only grow in the future if it is given sufficient time and space. It will eventually dominate the precision-skill labour needed in the industry.
“They can be as diverse as automotive, e-commerce, food industries, MedTech, water conservation and security, the space economy or any technology-intensive field. And they collectively come under the umbrella of what Industry 4.0 is all about.
“Advancement of technology in the field of robotics will require us to take STEM education to a new level, therefore, ushering in a new era of teaching,” Chow said in his address at the event.
Chow said the teaching and learning of robotics must be intellectually stimulating, enjoyable.
“Those involved should have an intensely inquisitive mind on how it works.
“Robotics, being a growing field, promotes community involvement. It provides students with something to be proud of, in the form of their participation in competitions such as Robomania.
“The Robomania and Grand STEM Challenge blends in perfectly with the state government’s Penang2030 vision, first as a tool for family cohesion because parents also can be involved in their children’s robotics projects at home.
“Secondly, the robotics field serves as a driving force for the state’s economic goals for nine years and beyond.
“We hope to achieve a smart state status which will serve as a blueprint for the nation’s future development.
“I’m very pleased to be here this afternoon to witness the participation of our younger generation in the Robomania and Grand STEM Challenge,” he added.
The Robomania is held for the third year and its main objective is to enhance awareness among students on robotics and allow their creativity to be displayed in the field.
Grand STEM Challenge, on the other hand, is the inter-school STEM Challenge organised since 2020.
Chow also said that with the increasing investment in the state, all parties need to work together to ensure that there is sufficient talent pool.
“Each time when a new factory is being set up, other existing factories tend to feel worried about losing their employees to these new factories.
“This is not only an issue that is taking place in Penang, but also in the country and the region.
“Therefore, it is high time for us to work on producing human talent to meet the demands and to drive the country’s industry,” he added.
St Xavier’s Institution emerged as the overall champion for the Robomania competition.
There were also other awards given out to students from various schools for both the Robomania and Grand STEM Challenge.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis