THINGS in the technology front are progressing very rapidly.
Whatever academic subjects students learn in school and universities today will likely be not relevant in the near future.
“It is clear that the education system cannot change fast enough to cope with this rapid development in technology,” state Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said when he officiated the closing ceremony of Robomania Symposium at Tech Dome Penang in George Town today.
Also present was Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Dr Khong Yoon Loong.
Abdul Halim said today’s event was aimed at preparing the young for the future.
“An event like this is important as it gives them the exposure that is not available in schools,” stressed Abdul Halim, who is also the Batu Maung assemblyman.
Abdul Halim added that at a time when enrolment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines was dropping in schools and universities, it was good to know that Penang has a place like Tech Dome to inspire the school children in STEM.
He also expressed his thanks to UBTech, Kiwanis Penang Central, the Education Department and volunteers from Intel and Greatech for their support to make the symposium a success.
Khong said the prizes for the robotics competition held today were donated by UBTech, one of the top 10 robotics company in the world.
He added that the competition, attracting 628 participants from 314 teams, has made it to the Malaysian Book of Records as the largest interactive robotics learning in a single event.
Robomania 2019 was held over two days on June 14 and 15 at Tech Dome Penang to encourage students to be interested in STEM using robotics.
Story & pix by Danny Ooi