KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 15 — The Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur, successfully hosted the STEM Competition 2025 in conjunction with MJIIT Japan Day 2025, creating an inspiring platform for young minds to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Initially limited to Klang Valley schools, the competition was expanded nationwide following overwhelming interest. This resulted in the enthusiastic participation of 42 secondary schools, with 249 students and 58 teachers forming 59 teams for the Water Rocket Competition and 24 teams for the Robotic Challenge.
The event featured two main competitions that showcased students’ creativity, technical skills, and teamwork. The Line-Following Robotic Challenge saw participants applying their coding, electronics, and problem-solving abilities to build autonomous robots capable of navigating a complex track. The top prize was claimed by Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) Bentong, followed by Bibians from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) (L) Bukit Bintang as 1st runner-up and Kusel Robotics from SMK Kuala Selangor as 2nd runner-up. The Promaganate from Victoria Institution and Smart Jaya from SMK Segambut Jaya secured 4th and 5th place respectively.
Meanwhile, the Water Rocket Competition tested students’ engineering ingenuity as they designed rockets powered by air and water pressure (below 60 psi) to achieve maximum flight distance. BT RocketStar 1 from SMK Bagan Terap emerged as the champion with an impressive launch distance of 122.4 metres, followed by BPJ Rocket 1 from MRSM Batu Pahat and Maluri Starlets from SMK Taman Maluri in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Innoventures from Maahad Tahfiz Sains & Pengajian Islam Baitussaadah took 4th place, while Xerofit from SMK Kuala Selangor placed 5th.
In total, RM1,600 in cash prizes were awarded, and certificates of participation were presented to all competing teams.
Beyond the competitions, participants were given guided tours of MJIIT’s state-of-the-art research laboratories and learning facilities. These visits provided students with firsthand exposure to university-level environments and advanced technologies, offering a glimpse into the exciting possibilities of pursuing higher education and careers in STEM. Interacting with MJIIT researchers and students further enriched their understanding of real-world engineering applications, sparking inspiration and curiosity.
The MJIIT Japan Day STEM Competition 2025 not only celebrated the innovative spirit of Malaysian youth but also highlighted the vital role of universities in nurturing future-ready talent. The event bridged the gap between school-level learning and professional STEM pathways by connecting secondary school students with university expertise and infrastructure.
MJIIT remains steadfast in its mission to promote STEM education and cross-cultural exchange, primarily through the Japan Day initiative, which reflects the strong academic and technological collaboration between Malaysia and Japan. With its growing reach and impactful programming, the competition continues to catalyse the development of a generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders who will contribute meaningfully to the nation’s technological advancement and global competitiveness.
Reported by Nur Adira Aisyah, Muhammad Hanish Danial Mohd Haniszam, Liew Peng Yen