FIRST LEGO League Malaysia Open Championship 2013 showcases the best in robotics

KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI University was the proud venue sponsor of an extravaganza of robotics and LEGO building which was participated by hundreds of students, aged between 9-16 years, from all over Malaysia.

The FIRST LEGO League Malaysia Open Championship 2013 (FLL Malaysia 2013) saw students merge science, technology, innovation, and creativity to conduct research on the topic of aging and find solutions for the effects of aging on a person’s quality of life, in line with this year’s theme “Senior Solutions”.

Using their research, the students then built and programmed a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robot and competed in four areas: project presentation; robot performance; technical design and programming of the robot; and teamwork, with a consideration of the FLL Core Values. These values include teamwork, honouring the spirit of friendly competition, gracious professionalism and cooperation, as well as fun.

The event started on Friday, with registration and a briefing for the coaches and concluded on Sunday with the Awards Presentation and Closing Ceremony. This was officiated by Y. Bhg. Tuan Haji Ahmad Tajudin Bin Jab, Director of Technical & Vocational Education Division, Ministry of Education representing Y. Bhg. Dato’ Haji Sufa’at bin Tumin, Deputy Director General of Education (School Operations), Ministry of Education.

In his speech, Tuan Haji Ahmad Tajudin heaped praise on the innovation showed by the students.

“Even though you are all only between nine and 16 years of age, you have proven that you are capable of excelling in both your school curriculum as well as extra-curricular activities like this.”

He also acknowledged the importance of technology-focused events such as the FLL Malaysia 2013.

“Events like this are what will attract the Gen Y – learning with entertainment. This is fun learning.”

Tuan Haji Ahmad Tajudin then handed out the trophies and certificates to the winners. The Champion’s Award (Gold) was won by the team JS Flawless from SMJK Jit Sin, Bukit Mertajam, Penang; Silver by Robodes from SMJK Chung Ling Butterworth, Penang; while the Bronze was won by SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS from SMJK Chung Ling High School, Air Itam, Penang.

After the Ceremony, Tuan Haji Ahmad Tajudin, watched a robotics demonstration from the winning team, and visited the displays for the UCSI LEGO Like Photo Contest – a mini LEGO building competition.

Held simultaneously with the FLL Malaysia 2013, the UCSI LEGO Like Photo Contest was open to the public, and saw participants build their most creative LEGO structures in 20 minutes. Images of shortlisted creations will be posted on UCSI University’s Facebook page, and the top three creations with the most Facebook ‘like’ will win prizes sponsored by LEGO Education. The winners for this competition will be announced in August via the UCSI University Facebook page.

The FLL Malaysia Open Championship 2013 was organised by FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an organisation founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, with its National Partner for Malaysia, Sasbadi Sdn Bhd.

UCSI University showed its support as the venue sponsor, while UCSI’s dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jimmy Mok lent his engineering expertise as one of the judges.

The Awards and Closing Ceremony was also attended by Mr Law King Hui, Managing Director of Sasbadi and Prof. Dr. Lee Chai Buan, UCSI University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (International Relations).