A TEAM of three primary pupils in Penang outplayed teams from 39 other countries which took part in the World Robot Olympiad Friendship Invitational Tournament 2023 in Odense, Denmark, late last year.
Their win contributed to Malaysia’s success, earning the country the ‘Overall Champion” title.
The three pupils from SJKC Perempuan Cina – Lim Geng Yang, Ong Zen Feng, and Tan Zu Yang – were the only team from Penang which took part in the Elementary Category of the competition.
The tournament was held from Sept 21 to 24 last year (2023).
Lim and Tan studied in Year Six, while Ong studied Year Five.
Besides their team, another team from Perlis, won third in the category. The team from Taiwan bagged second.
Headmaster Yeap Yee Chung said the pupils were members of the school’s Robotics Club since Year One.
“The pupils trained in problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and hands-on skills as members of the school’s Robotics Club. The training is weekly,” Yeap said.
Zen Feng’s father Ong Hsing Li said he was proud of the Penang team’s success in the world tournament.
“Teams from China, the United States, Germany, and other countries that are known to have advanced technologies also took part in the tournament. We are happy that in the end, the teams from Penang and Perlis won first and third in the Primary School Category respectively.
Geng Yang’s mother Lee Phaik Im said the Penang team won after acing two main criteria – the ability of the robot to complete the tasks given, and the speed of the robot in completing the tasks given.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow congratulated the three pupils, their parents, and the school for making the state and country proud.
“Penang expresses its heartfelt congratulations on your outstanding achievement in winning the international robot tournament. We are proud of each one of you and look forward to witnessing your continued success and contributions to the world of robotics and technology.
“Your dedication, teamwork, and innovative spirit have truly set you apart on the global stage. This remarkable success not only reflects your exceptional talents but also showcases the strength of the school’s commitment to fostering excellence in education.
“May this victory be a stepping stone to even greater accomplishments in the future,” he said after meeting the pupils, their parents, and the school’s headmaster in Komtar today.
Chow also presented certificates and RM1,000 to the pupils for their achievements.
Also present were Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee; Zen Feng’s mother Teng Chia Hooi; as well as Zu Yang’s parents Tan Chen Tat and Tan Bee Cha.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi, Christopher Tan and courtesy of the contributors