OVER 200 schools from across Malaysia will participate in the highly anticipated Penang International Science Fair (PISF) 2025, to be held at Setia SPICE Arena in Relau on Nov 8 and 9, from 9am to 5pm.
Organised by the Penang government through the Penang Science Cluster (PSC), the two-day event is expected to attract between 40,000 and 60,000 visitors, including students, teachers, communities, and members of the public.
“Our focus this year is on artificial intelligence (AI), which is why the theme is ‘You + AI > You.’ It highlights how people and AI can work together to achieve more,” said Aimy Lee, chief operating officer of the Penang Science Cluster.
Supported by multinational corporations and leading local companies, the initiative reflects PSC’s mission to inspire innovation and cultivate interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) among young Malaysians.
“We aim to spark curiosity and develop innovative minds in our students through unique, hands-on learning experiences,” Lee added.
A special highlight of PISF 2025 is the MakerLab Sekolah Orang Asli Showcase, featuring STEM projects by students from SK Kg Kenang (Sungai Siput) and SK RPS Banun (Gerik), alongside cultural showcases celebrating Orang Asli heritage and traditions.
Funded by Micron Malaysia, the initiative marks PSC’s first MakerLab established outside Penang — a testament that with access, guidance, and imagination, innovation can thrive anywhere.
The key attractions at this year’s fair include:
- AI Spotlight Zone: A new signature that brings the theme to life through interactive, mission-based challenges.
- Industry-led Workshops: Hands-on sessions guided by industry mentors, such as the Autonomous Maze Bot Workshop by AMD, where students programme AI-powered robots to navigate tracks intelligently, and the AI Vision Camera by Swisspac, which introduces participants to computer vision and smart sensing technology.
- AI Competitions: A showcase of young talents through contests including the Coolest Projects Malaysia (AI category), AI: Machine Vision, Generative AI Challenge 2025, and AI for Social Good, where students apply AI to real-world problem-solving.
Now in its 13th year, PISF has grown into one of Malaysia’s most prominent platforms for science and technology education.
PISF 2025 is supported by 73 companies, organisations and institutions, featuring:
- 20 industry partners and 13 organisations exhibiting and conducting workshops
- 13 MakerLab schools supported by nine industry partners
- Over 30,000 workshop slots across 49 different workshop types
- 10 competitions supported by 10 organisations and industry partners.
- 10 MakerFest showcases, competitions and workshops supported by 14 industry partners and individuals.
- 2 organisations & 5 events driving the fair’s overall success.
Thus far, PSC has delivered hands-on science and technology programmes to over 300,000 students and 15,000 teachers, while establishing 138 MakerLabs in schools nationwide.
Through PISF 2025, PSC hopes to inspire the next generation of creators and innovators, equipping them with the curiosity and confidence to shape the future.
Pix courtesy of Penang Science Cluster