LABUAN — A total of 10,308 participants from the Federal Territory of Labuan have taken part in Malaysia Techlympics 2026, reflecting growing interest among young people in science, technology and innovation (STI), particularly science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Abdullah Daud, secretary of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Culture and Services Division at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), said 117 participants from 38 teams representing eight schools had qualified for the national finals.
The finalists comprise students from three primary schools and five secondary schools and will compete at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on Nov 15 and 16.
He said Malaysia Techlympics, now in its fifth year, aims to nurture young people’s interest in STI and STEM through engaging competitions that encourage innovation, develop skills and cultivate a technology-driven mindset.
“Since its launch in 2022, Malaysia Techlympics has recorded more than three million participations as of 2026, marking an encouraging achievement, including active participation from the Federal Territory of Labuan,” he said.
He was speaking at the opening of the Malaysia Techlympics 2026 Mini Inclusive Outreach Programme for Labuan at the Theatrette Hall of Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) today.
Abdullah said the programme also included teacher training and initiatives to encourage participation among students from rural schools, particularly those with limited access to STEM learning opportunities.
The UMSKAL event was part of a nationwide outreach series launched in June, with MOSTI targeting a total of 80 outreach programmes throughout 2026.
He said the outreach initiative aimed to make STEM more accessible and enjoyable for young people, especially those in rural communities, while encouraging students and local communities to collaborate on STEM projects.
It also sought to improve access to STEM teaching and learning, strengthen cooperation with local communities and expose participants to technologies that could serve as a foundation for future careers.
Malaysia Techlympics competitions and activities cover areas aligned with MOSTI’s current priorities, including science, engineering, mathematics, artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear advocacy, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, drone technology, creative design and animation, and 3D printing and development.
Abdullah urged students, youths, teachers and parents to continue supporting MOSTI’s efforts to mainstream science, technology and innovation as drivers of economic growth and public well-being through Malaysia Techlympics 2026.
He also thanked the Education Ministry for its cooperation and support in implementing the initiative, as well as UMSKAL for hosting the Labuan outreach programme.
Also present were Universiti Malaysia Sabah chief librarian Zawawi Datuk Tiyunin; UMSKAL director Professor Dr Shamsul Bahari Shamsudin; Sabah Department of Chemistry director Ts. Harun Ahmad; and Haslizah Hassan, head of the Public Library Unit, representing the Labuan Corporation chief executive officer.
