STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics) subjects are all about exploring the unknown and developing creative problem-solving skills, so what better way to ignite the wonders of STEM and inspire innovation in young minds than to hold a STEM competition? IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) collaborated with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) to organise an IOI STEM Competition & Exhibition 2023 on 21 October 2023 at Pei Hwa Independent High School (Pei Hwa).

Eight schools in the Segamat and Tangkak districts of Johor, namely SJK (C) Hwa Nan, SJK (C) Chian Kuo, SJK (T) Ladang Gomali, SJK (T) Ladang Sagil, SK Puteri Ledang, SK Sagil Kampong, SK Sri Tangkak and SK Paya Mas, competed in different STEM areas. A total of 14 competing teams, comprising 42 students from 10 to 12 years old, demonstrated their innovative and creative thinking beyond the classroom, through their crafted prototypes using Arduino sets and recycled materials. The Protobots team from SK Sri Tangkak emerged as champion with their smart dustbin prototype, followed by SJK (T) Ladang Sagil as first runner-up, and SJK (T) Ladang Gomali as second runner-up. Each winning team walked away with cash prizes of RM250, RM150 and RM100, respectively sponsored by IOI Foundation. Students from Pei Hwa also set up a booth featuring entertaining science-related activities, displays and presentations on various STEM fields.

A comprehensive two-day Train the Trainers session was conducted by UTAR Assistant Professor at Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering & Science Ir Dr Danny Ng in April 2023 to equip all 24 teachers with the skills to provide the best STEM learning experience to the students.

IOI Foundation Executive Director Datin Joanne Wong congratulating the Protobots team.