The National Robothon Challenge (NROC) is returning this September 2023 to Malaysia’s student robotics enthusiasts! 

In line with the Ministry of Education’s digital-first initiatives and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)’s #mydigital-maker project, this 19th edition of the NROC aims to further local robotics innovation and talent to address real-world challenges. 

The competition is presented by STEM edutainment academy 5T3M, multiverse-based learning developers Leanbot, and Lenovo Malaysia.

Under the theme ‘Second Earth: Space Colonisation’, the competition will challenge participants to utilise robotics in building settlements and harnessing natural resources in simulated space environments. 

This includes food production, construction, energy generation, transportation, communications, and biological life support.

Shoant Teoh, CEO of 5T3M, reveals: “The premise of trailblazing in outer space is our fun way of encouraging participants to think outside the box, and free their imagination to innovate solutions not yet seen on our planet. 

"In this way, NROC represents our hope for the future: to nurture a new generation that is both proficient in robotics technology and sharp enough to see where they can apply their niche to help make the world more liveable.”

NROC 2023 will take place throughout the second half of the year in stages:

The champions at the NROC 2023 finals in December will become Malaysia’s national representatives at the International Robothon 2024 in Thailand — with  all training and competition expenses fully sponsored by the organisers. 

1st and 2nd runners-up will receive cash prizes of RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively.

Participating schools and students can purchase the competition kit bundles on 5T3M’s official website. 

The kits include all components for building and programming robotic solutions aligned with the challenge theme, including Leanbot’s specialised robots, as well as field tracks and models. 

Additionally, the kits will provide participants with year-long access to the Leanbot’s Pythaverse, a learning management system (LMS) that supports collaborative learning in fully digital spaces.

“We wanted to include LMS access in the bundles as well, so that students can not only learn from their immediate school environments but also connect with fellow learners from across the globe in an educational metaverse. 

"The digital classroom is built on the belief that collaboration breeds innovation, and we strongly believe in its potential to empower our youth to push the boundaries of robotic science,” shares Lim Soon Seong, Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President of Sales at Pythaverse Pte Ltd. - KitaReporters/Media Release