UMPSA hosts RBTX Petrosains Challenge Eastern Zone 2024

PEKAN, 4 September 2024 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) hosted the RBTX Petrosains Challenge East Zone 2024 Competition at the Multipurpose Hall, UMPSA Pekan.

The Deputy Director, Learning Sector, Pahang State Education Department, Ahmad Zamri Md Isa, officiated the opening ceremony of the RBTX Petrosains Challenge East Zone 2024.

Initially, the competition was held at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Kepala Batas, Penang (North Zone) and UniKL BMI, Gombak (Central Zone).

After UMPSA, this competition will be organised at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Alor Gajah, Melaka for the South Zone and Kolej Vokasional Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for the Borneo Zone.

More than 500 participants consisting of primary and secondary school students from Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu attended the competition to compete to qualify for the next level.

The three main categories contested were Robo Tracer, Robo Sumo and Innovation.

UMPSA, through the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology (FTKEE), organised the programme with the involvement of staff as program volunteers.

RBTX Petrosains Challenge 2024 is an event for all robotics enthusiasts to gather to compete in their robot creations.

It also aims to continue to provide a universal platform for all levels of society to learn, explore and exchange knowledge and ideas about robotics and its applications in real life.

The Petrosains RBTX Challenge 2024 is also an initiative organised by Petrosains and acknowledged by the Sports and Arts Education Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM).

Petronas East Coast General Manager, Ahmad Shazly Ramli said Petrosains started organising this robotics programme in 2018, and the main goals of the Petrosains RBTX Challenge Programme are to demonstrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning and foster science, technology and innovation talents for all levels of society.

“As participants, they have the opportunity to use open coding software and various robotics equipment without limits in pursuing their interest in robotics.

“Participants are free to purchase equipment online, any brand, as long as they follow the terms and conditions of the competition,” he said.

“Petrosains staff learn from advisors consisting of experts from leading local universities such as UMPSA, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL-BMI) and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP),” he said.

He said they always share best practices, provide positive and constructive feedback, share innovative ideas and always challenge participants to continue working towards world-class robotic competition.

“This has indirectly encouraged participants to always be enthusiastic about striving to reach a level of excellence in the STEM field,” he said.

According to Ahmad Zamri Md Isa, in a rapidly changing world, the skills and knowledge gained through STEM are very important in preparing students to face the challenges and opportunities that exist.

“Robotics, in particular, offers a unique platform for students to apply their understanding of STEM in practical and innovative ways.

“It encourages creativity and critical thinking in solving problems which are skills that are very much needed to succeed in the 21st century,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to the Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology (FTKEE), Professor Ts. Dr. Hamdan Daniyal, the collaboration between UMPSA, Petrosains and the Pahang State Education Department plays an important role in promoting the cultivation of digital technology skills which are the backbone of today’s digital era.

“UMPSA aims to inspire young minds, nurture their potential and guide them towards the future so that they can contribute meaningfully to technological progress in Malaysia,” he said.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology