KUCHING: The Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through initiatives like Girlscode Challenge.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that the programme is designed to empower young minds to become not just users of technology, but creators and problem-solvers in an era of rapid technological advancement.
“The technology we have today is advancing rapidly, and it’s up to us to use it to solve real challenges.
“It is truly inspiring to see all of you take these first steps, not just as users of technology, but as creators and problem-solvers,” he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the 4th Girlscode Challenge 2024 National Final at Tegas Digital Village here on Saturday.
He also highlighted the importance of curiosity and determination in overcoming challenges as well as encouraged the participants to embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth.
“Hold on to that passion! Even if others question your ideas, take it as a chance to get better. Stay strong, and make sure your actions always reflect your values,” he urged.
Girlscode is a competition jointly organised by Realfun Learning Centre and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
This year, 666 talented young women from across Malaysia participated in the competition where six teams from the Junior and Senior categories respectively, were selected to showcase their innovative projects in the final round.
Girlscode is a virtual mobile app challenge open to female students only. The competition develops pre-teens and teens skills in Design Thinking, Coding, Entrepreneurship, and Pitching with the objective to empower them to take actions and solve community problems.
In the Junior category of the challenge, Team Fusion Angels from SJKC Chung Hua Krokop clinched the championship title, earning RM200 per person as the grand prize.
Team Lanchang Girls Rock from SK Batu Lanchang, Pulau Pinang, secured second place with RM100 per person, while Team The Mulans from SJKC Chung Hua Miri claimed third place, receiving RM50 per person.
For the Senior category, Team TPG from SMK Tinggi Kuching emerged as champions, taking home RM200 per person for their outstanding performance.
The first runner-up title went to Farday from Labuan International School, Labuan, who earned RM100 per person, while Team T.A.S.T. from SMK Tinggi Sarikei finished in third place, receiving RM50 per person.
