FOUR hundred and eighty lower secondary students are vying to become champions in their respective categories at the Grand STEM Challenge, an event which is co-organised by Tech Dome Penang and Penang Math Platform – two of the STEM-learning centres under the Penang STEM ecosystem.
The Grand STEM Challenge was conceptualised as an inter-team competition for lower secondary students and the response was overwhelming.
A total of 1,494 participants from 45 schools had taken part in the preliminary workshops and competitions held earlier.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said 480 finalists made it through and competed in eight categories.
“I am delighted that the competition is being held for the third year running.
“More importantly, it has been incorporated as one of the key highlights under the STEM Showcase ’22, an exciting two-day event which was officially launched by Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P Ramasamy yesterday (Sept 2).
“The Grand STEM Challenge, as well as the STEM Showcase, are indeed fine examples of smart partnerships between the state, education authorities and the corporate sector in the common mission to groom our younger generation to meet the challenges, and also to seize the opportunities under IR4.0 and the Digital Transformation,” he said in his speech at the official launch of the Grand STEM Challenge in Han Chiang High School today.
Chow thanked the various sponsors, namely, Intel Technology, Emico Penang, Kiwanis Penang Central, Flextronics Technology and Plexus Manufacturing for supporting the Grand STEM Challenge and STEM Showcase ’22.
Han Chiang Board of Directors chairman Datuk Seri Ooi Soo Hing said science and technology could change the future of society.
“The future of our society lies in the hands of aspiring young people like all the participants today.
“Young people who can innovate, cooperate with others, and stay resilient will be able to rise to the challenge and make our Earth a better place,” he said.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo and Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer allocated RM10,000 each for the events.
Also present were Penang STEM general manager Richard Chung, Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi, Penang Math Platform general manager Johnny Ong, Han Chiang High School Board of Directors adviser Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping, Han Chiang Parent-Teacher Association chairman Dr Ngoo Seong Boon, and Han Chiang High School principal Kung Bee Lee.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Alissala Thian
