THE Penang Science Cluster (PSC) and Emerson today have jointly announced a new initiative, called the XRP Robotics Challenge (XRC), to upscale the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among school students in the northern states.
Aimed at strengthening foundational skills in robotics, problem-solving, and applied engineering, it is learned that Emerson has pledged to sponsor RM800,000 over five years, enabling sustained STEM skills development for students.
Emerson test and measurement business vice-president of global operations, Brooke Murray-Etnyre, in her speech earlier, stated that the funding will support long-term programme delivery in close collaboration with the network of local organisations, institutions, and stakeholders that support science and technology education.
“I am very excited to be here for the kickoff of the XRP Robotics Challenge. This is such a great intermediary robotics challenge for students at an age where there is a high risk of losing interest or not staying as engaged in science and technology.
“This programme is wonderful in capturing their attention, sparking curiosity, helping them learn problem-solving skills, and developing basic applied engineering skills.”
“For us to launch this together with our valued partner, Penang Science Cluster, is a great opportunity. At Emerson, we believe strongly in the power of STEM.
“We see this as an investment in our future, and partnering with industry peers to help develop our young people here is truly meaningful. Our goal is to invest in programmes that spark curiosity and build confidence in young minds for the challenges of the future.”
“This initiative gives students the opportunity to build real skills in robotics, try new things, fail, learn and become more successful through hands-on and collaborative experiences,” she said during the launching ceremony at PSC at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee in George Town today.
Jokingly, she expressed how jealous she is for not having such opportunities when she was 16, where the exposure and accessibility to science and technology were rather less visible than it is now.
“When students engage and become passionate about science and technology at this age, they are more likely to stay on that path in the future. We believe in the talents, creativity and ability of young people to lead future innovation. This is especially important for Malaysia’s future.”
“Partnerships like this truly matter. By working together with organisations such as Penang Science Cluster and the state Education Department, we can do more, reach more and inspire more.
“Together, we are building something bigger than ourselves, empowering youth and creating a technology-ready future,” she added.
Meanwhile, PSC chief executive officer Datuk Ooi Peng Eee commended the continuous support by industry players in keeping the engine at PSC consistently moving at a rather positive pace, enabling students to leverage on tools and opportunities to thrive in STEM-related programmes.
Based on a fact sheet provided by PSC, the five-year programme is expected to benefit 3,000 students across the northern states, aged 13 to 15.
Also present earlier was NI managing director Selvam Chinappan. NI is now part of Emerson, its parent company.
For further details about the robotics programme, kindly visit www.pscpen.com or email at [email protected].
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En