Great response to inaugural STEM competition in Miri
MIRI: The inaugural 2017 Miri division PdP STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Model Innovation Competition held Thursday at SM SainsMirirecordedanencouraging participation of 116 teams from 42 secondary and primary schools around Miri.
Miri District Education Officer Dr Hassan Hasbollah said the participation is something to be proud of as it is a record for Miri division and all contestants had shown such enthusiastic and excellent skills, especially during the presentation of their innovations and products.
“This element of creativity and innovation can generate a new approach to further strengthen education services, especially in the implementation of PdP (teaching and learning) processes. An interesting PdP and quality teaching and learning will stimulate the enthusiasm and motivation of students to continue to learn whereby teachers and students are encouraged to create, explore and practise the elements of creativity and innovation in the implementation of the curriculum that is indispensable in the course of the education transformation process,” he said, adding Miri Young Innovators Technocrat ( MyIT) must be supported in its activities to bring innovation to the next level in education.
He was speaking at the closing of the competition organised by Miri District Education Office MyIT. It was officiated by state director of Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), Vincent Lejau. Dr Hassan who is also MyIT founder and advisor said teachers and educators should conduct research and innovation to improve the effectiveness of PdP.
Vincent, in his speech applauded the efforts of students and teachers and hoped they would continue being creative.
“I congratulate all those involved directly and indirectly with this programme and, on behalf of MyIPO, we are ready to lend a hand to innovation for the progress of education,” he said.
Present were SM Sains principal Mohd Dzul Badzli Abdullah, MyIT assistant advisor Rakin Sebastian, MyIT chairperson Voon Choon Teck and event coordinator Law Sie Siek of SMK Riam.
The competition started as early as 7am was judged by 25 judges headed by Goh Yong Juan of SMK Taman Tunku. The youngest participants from SJK (C) Chung Hua Pujut, Primary 2 students Meghan Wee Mei Ern and Eric Ch’ng Seng Keat showcased their innovative ‘Kad Pakir Ajaib’.
The team from SJK (C) Chung Hua Miri, comprising Nicholas Ting Yi Han and Kimberly Phang Zi Xuan, won the best PdP Ahmad Lai Bujang Trophy ( primary school category) for their ‘ Light Box’ module.
The team from Vocational College Miri, comprising Amirruddin Remmy and Maxson Jamba, took home the trophy (secondary school category) for their ‘ Alternator Tester’ module.
To appreciate the excellence of teacher and student innovation from 2015-2017, the organisers awarded The Most Outstanding International Innovation Award (student category) to Gerald Chung Zi Shen and Hwong Jin Lok from SMK St Columba; and Iffah Najihah Abdul Irham Mudin and Ayu Haniezyea Ramzi from SM Sains Miri for representing the country in various competitions, internationally and locally.
Voon Choon Teck and Norsyamsyafikhoh Abdul Ghani were awarded The Most Outstanding International Innovation (teacher category) for their contributions in various innovation and invention competitions, locally and abroad.
Earlier, students and guests were entertained by Miri Teacher’s Training Institute ( IPG Miri) playing on musical instruments fashioned from used materials, and an intriguing show by Piasau Chung Hua Wushu Club.
This element of creativity and innovation can generate a new approach to further strengthen education services, especially in the implementation of PdP (teaching and learning) processes. Dr Hassan Hasbollah, Miri District Education Officer