TECH Dome Penang and the Penang Math Platform will be organising an inter-school Grand STEM Challenge 2021 this year, with activities divided into monthly challenges in July and August, leading up to the finale on Sept 10 this year.
Similar to the one held last year; this year’s virtual challenge is only open to lower secondary students.
Seven categories will be offered, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Robotics, Games Design, Mathematics and English. However, since it is an inter-school team event, registration can also be made through the respective schools.
The event is also supported by Penang STEM 4.0 and sponsored by Intel Technology Sdn Bhd.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is considered as an important tool in driving the economy throughout Malaysia, and particularly Penang due to the industry-driven sectors in the state.
When Covid-19 made its introduction in Malaysia over a year ago, parents in Penang were concerned over the future of their schoolgoing children, specifically those wanting to pursue tertiary education.
Restrictions that the authorities imposed not only included social and economic sectors, but the education line as well, which meant institutions and schools of all kinds had to resort to digital learning after face-to-face teaching and learning were banned, at least temporarily.
When this happened, parents, teachers and relevant individuals alike, were truly groping in the dark on how to face the harrowing situation and to cushion the negative impact.
Tech Dome Penang, Penang Math Platform and Penang STEM 4.0 had organised a similar Grand STEM Challenge last year to complement the mainstream education system by providing interesting and fun STEM-learning to students.
Last year’s event drew a tremendous response with the participation of over 2,000 students from 39 schools in the four-month series.
To those interested to participate in this year’s event, registration can be done (as a team of three) through the Penang STEM website at www.penangstem.com/gsc.
More information can also be obtained through email at [email protected] or via Whatsapp at 016- 4584920/014-6020796.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of Penang Tech Dome