IT was a day filled with interesting and educational activities for young students who took part in the Management and Science University (MSU) Young Scientist Challenge 2016.
Held at MSU's campus, the third edition was aimed at exposing students to career opportunities in the fields of health sciences and technology.
MSU president Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid said the country’s Vision 2020 aspirations, among others, stressed on advances in science and technology and to produce students who have higher-order thinking skills.
In line with this, he said the government has implemented the National Science and Technology Policy as a tool for socioeconomic development and education to implement a Malaysian society based on science, technology and progressiveness.
“This competition aims to strengthen students’ self-esteem with a focus on the development of competitive and dynamic individuals and the mastery of science and technology skills through early exposure to careers in science.
“We want to support the government’s education blueprint to inculcate the awareness, spirit, commitment and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“It is important to maintain the students’ spirit and commitment towards STEM as we are not only looking for job seekers, but also job creators such as independent entrepreneurs and innovators,” said Mohd Shukri.
The MSU Young Scientist Challenge is in line with the aspiration to achieve the nation’s Vision 2020.
A total of 1,296 students from 55 secondary schools in Selangor, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Negri Sembilan took part in the competition.
Among the participating schools were Kolej Tunku Kurshiah, Royal Military College, SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail, SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail, SMK Putrajaya Presint 18 (1), SMT Tunku Jaafar, SMK TTDI Jaya, SMK Tinggi Kajang, SMK Aminuddin Baki and SMK Seksyen 7 Shah Alam.
At the closing ceremony, the group from SMK TTDI Jaya were announced the winner of this year's MSU Young Scientist Challenge.
“We are overwhelmed as we didn't expect to win this competition because we were not prepared. The challenges we had to go through were tough but we managed to pull it off.
“The activities were fun and educational but they were also mentally and physically challenging. I believe what I have learned today will help me tremendously in my studies,” said 17-year-old Khairunnas Haziq Azlan Zahari.
They took home an MSU lab coat each, trophies, medals, RM1,000 cash and a scholarship worth RM20,000.
SMK Aminuddin Baki clinched the second place and took home medals, cash prize of RM800 and a scholarship worth of RM15,000 while third place, SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail received medals, cash prize of RM600 and a scholarship worth of RM10,000.
The participants had to go through two phases of challenges namely as Exploration & Creativity, and Science Trivia with the activities such as Syringe Out Insulin, Anatomy of the Body, DNA Matching, Cross Match Puzzle, Nail Balance and Measuring Cup.
Meanwhile, the best male participant was awarded to Sekolah Menengah Agama Bestari Subang Jaya student Ahmad Hidayat Alias and the best female participant was Zuliana Zuhri from SMK Puteri Titiwangsa.
“I have done my best during the activities. I didn't expect to win,” said Ahmad Hidayat, whose favourite subject is Science.
Zuliana said she had a good experience for her first time participating as she always believes in the motto “If we put in our hard work, we can achieve anything”. She added that without teamwork and determination she would not have won.
In conjunction with the competition, MSU recorded another achievement in the Malaysia Book of Records for The Most Number of Participants in Ankle Bandaging Demonstration Event involving 1,326 participants (which include students and teachers) during the opening ceremony.