JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 29 – The Robotics for All Grand Challenge 2025 brought a surge of creativity, innovation, and youthful energy to the Perpustakaan Raja Zarith Sofiah (PRZS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), on 29 November 2025. The state-level competition marked the culmination of a year-long effort to nurture digital fluency and strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) interest among lower secondary school students.

The event was officiated by Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation). In his address, he emphasized the importance of bridging digital skills, innovation, and future-ready competencies among the younger generation.

This year’s challenge gathered 216 Form 2 and Form 3 students, accompanied by 24 advisors from 12 schools across four districts. Participants competed in two main categories, the Line Tracer Challenge and the Wall Tracer Challenge, both designed to test precision, programming skills, engineering design, and problem-solving under real-world constraints.

After a highly competitive showdown, the champions were Team PJ01 from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pulai Jaya for the Line Tracer Challenge and Team PT06 from SMK Dato’ Penggawa Timur for the Wall Tracer Challenge.

Their outstanding performance demonstrated strong mastery of robotics navigation, sensor integration, and problem-solving skills under pressure. The achievements of these teams also reflect the effectiveness of the structured programmes.

The main objective of the programme is to cultivate early interest in STEM by introducing robotics and artificial intelligence to students at the lower secondary level. This mission aligns strongly with the aspirations of the Digital Education Policy by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, which emphasises producing digitally fluent students capable of thriving in a technology-driven era.

Recognising that digital competency extends far beyond using devices or Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, the programme focuses on computational thinking, hands-on engineering, and algorithmic problem-solving, which are all essential components of future-ready digital literacy.

Before stepping into the competitive arena, every participating student completed a structured three-stage robotics learning pathway that covered basic robot design, line-following robot development, and wall-following robot development.

These modules ensured that students not only built robots but also understood the principles behind sensors, control systems, coding logic, and autonomous navigation.

Remarkably, through this programme they developed strong foundational skills in programming, engineering design, and digital problem-solving. These are all key competencies for the future digital workforce.

One of the most distinctive strengths of the programme was the involvement of more than 30 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE), UTM. These students first underwent a Training of Trainers (ToT) session and later transferred their knowledge to school participants through workshops and hands-on coaching.

This collaborative model not only strengthened the teaching–learning ecosystem but also showcased the spirit of Robotics for All: knowledge and innovation belong to everyone, regardless of background, school category, or location.

In Musa Atan, Chief Assistant Director of Student Talent Development, Johor State Education Department remarks emphasised the need to support the nation’s digital education agenda.

“Digital fluency is not only about using technology. It includes programming, engineering design, and the courage to explore new ideas.”

Students were encouraged to share what they learned with peers in their schools and to continue robotics activities not only in official university-run programmes but also during school-based co-curricular sessions, especially through robotics clubs.

Teachers were also acknowledged as the backbone of the programme’s success.

“The dedication of educators is the pillar that sustains this initiative and ensures students continue to grow in STEM.”

Participants were reminded of the true spirit of innovation.

“Do not fear failure. In the world of innovation, failure is part of the learning process that leads to greater success.”

The Robotics for All Grand Challenge 2025 not only showcased technical skills, it highlighted resilience, curiosity, teamwork, and the determination of young Malaysians to embrace the digital future.

As the event concluded, one message echoed strongly.

“The real victory lies not in winning the competition, but in the courage to explore, innovate, and continue learning”