SEPANG, Aug 10 — A 92-member Malaysian contingent of young robotics talents delivered a remarkable performance at the 23rd Robot Challenge World Championship in Beijing, securing five medals across four categories and elevating the nation’s standing in international youth technology competitions.

Competing on August 8 and 9, the team bagged two gold, one silver, and two bronze medals—a significant leap from last year’s haul of two medals.

The international tournament gathered more than 5,000 participants and robotics enthusiasts representing over 40 countries.

Speaking to reporters upon the team’s arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, World of Robotics Sdn Bhd (World of Robotics) Project Director Michelle Choo praised the students, aged between nine and 18, for their dedication.

“These students had previously competed in the World of Robotics Championship. After that competition, we provided them with intensive training as preparation, and I believe they were all well prepared to face the challenges in Beijing,” Choo said.

Choo added that the team’s achievement demonstrates the high capability of Malaysian students on the global stage and highlights the importance of sustained talent development in robotics.

Highlighting the spirit of unity among the contingent, World of Robotics Chairman Zainuren Mohd Nor noted that the participants represented diverse ethnic backgrounds competing under a single Malaysian identity.

“They were not merely competing, but we were also building a very strong sense of patriotism. They became very close, like siblings, and received tremendous support from their parents,” Zainuren said.

“I also believe that through students’ involvement in robotics, they will develop an interest in learning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in the future,” he added.

Breakdown of Medal Winners

Malaysia’s medal haul spanned several technical categories:

Puck Collector Junior (Gold): Won by Che Raeesa Che Rostami, Anaqi Azizi Asnur, and Wan Umar Wan Azlan.
Robobowling Senior (Gold): Clinched by Cheong Zhen Hao, Lee Jian Kai, and Yap Yu Min.
Puck Collector Senior (Silver): Awarded to Elijah Shreyash Nair and Muhammad Irfan Rizqi Roseaidy.
Puck Collector Junior (Bronze): Secured by Cheah Cheng You, Keith Chan, and S Avighna Sivam.
Freestyle Junior (Bronze): Earned by M Nethish Sharmaa and Muhammad Raffan Aqhyaar Mohd Nafis.

For 11-year-old bronze medalist Nethish Sharmaa, the tournament marked his first overseas competition.

“This is my first time competing and I will win gold next time. Thanks to my partner (Muhammad Raffan Aqhyaar) and the entire team,” Sharmaa expressed.

Twelve-year-old gold medalist Che Raeesa shared that the Beijing championship provided valuable life lessons beyond technical skills, emphasizing that the competition taught her the power of teamwork and the necessity of compromise when operating in a group.

–NMT