Malaysia returned from the 23rd World Robot Challenge in Beijing with an impressive haul of two gold, one silver and two bronze medals, improving on last year’s performance of two medals.
The competition, held last Saturday and Sunday, brought together more than 5,000 robotics participants and enthusiasts from over 40 countries.
92 Malaysian students represented the country
Malaysia was represented by 92 students aged between nine and 18, who underwent intensive training after competing in the World of Robotics Championship as preparation for the international event.
World of Robotics Sdn Bhd project director Michelle Choo said the young participants were well prepared for the challenge in Beijing.
She said the achievement showed that Malaysian students are capable of competing at an international level, while continued investment in young robotics talent could produce more achievements for the country.
Five medals across four categories
Malaysia’s five medals came from four categories:
- Puck Collector Junior (Gold): Che Raeesa Che Rostami, Anaqi Azizi Asnur and Wan Umar Wan Azlan
- Robobowling Senior (Gold): Cheong Zhen Hao, Lee Jian Kai and Yap Yu Min
- Puck Collector Senior (Silver): Elijah Shreyash Nair and Muhammad Irfan Rizqi Roseaidy
- Puck Collector Junior (Bronze): Cheah Cheng You, Keith Chan and S. Avighna Sivam
- Freestyle Junior (Bronze): M. Nethish Sharmaa and Muhammad Raffan Aqhyaar Mohd Nafis
More than just medals
World of Robotics chairman Zainuren Mohd Nor said the Malaysian team, made up of students from different ethnic backgrounds, demonstrated a strong sense of national pride while competing under the Malaysian flag.
He said the students had developed close bonds during the competition, describing their relationship as being like siblings, while also receiving strong support from their parents.
Zainuren added that getting young people involved in robotics could also encourage greater interest in STEM- science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
First overseas competition becomes a memory to remember
For 11-year-old Nethish Sharmaa, the Beijing competition was his first time competing overseas, making the experience one he would not easily forget.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Che Raeesa said the competition taught her the importance of teamwork and learning to compromise when working with others.
From different backgrounds but competing under the same Malaysian flag, the young team showed that robotics is not just about building machines, it is also bringing Malaysia’s next generation together.
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