Well, an excellent way to have more young inventors in the country is to provide research grants and viable platforms to showcase their talent and ability. This includes competitions at school and national level. Without these thrusts, our talented young scientists and inventors will not emerge at a rate that we would want to see in this ambitious decade. Without educational incentives like scholarships and sponsorships, many budding talents will remain in the background and disappear in no time. Hence, we should take rigorous steps to promote science, discovery and inventions in schools, universities as well as among the general public.
Recently, UNITEN organized a Robogamez competition where students and undergraduates compete to win the trophy. The young inventors displayed their master robots and accepted the challenge of the abominable maze. It was an interesting event and a very enriching experience indeed. I took my children to witness the invaluable display of intelligence, and I hope they will become like one of those participants one day.
Here, I'm proud to announce that my IEP students Nga and Tho, both from Vietnam, won first prize for the internal category and third prize for the national category. Their robot named "Lost" pulled through the crazy maze challenge, battling hurdles and obstacles, and made it to the finishing line with triumph and dignity:) "Lost" has made us all very proud indeed. The national champion was UPM and runner-up was MMU. UNITEN organized a Sumo Robot competition last year, and I wonder what exciting theme the engineering society will come up with next year...hmmm...pet robots, may be....
Last month, my nephew, a Form 2 student at Sek Men Telok Mas, won the state level championship for his solar-stove invention. The UNITEN team is currently preparing for a world solar car challenge. And at home-sweet-home, my precious boy, Emir, successfully transformed his 'pet' dragon into a domestic robot via the power of "imagination-transformation" - and this is an inspiring and brave start to borderless curiosity cum discovery.
What about you? Have you invented something small or significant? Have you ever thought of inventing some kind of gadget or device that has not made a debut in the current market? Or perhaps, have you been inspired by any of our renowned inventors in your everyday pursuit for success? Share with us here in this blogosphere and help to inspire many others to become young aspiring inventors of the decade:)
