SEPANG – What began as classroom innovation in a rural school in Johor has now placed Malaysia at the forefront of global robotics achievement. Three Orang Asli students from SK Pengkalan Tereh emerged champions in the Creative Idea (Lower Secondary) category at the International Robotics Olympiad (IRO) 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia.
Their Mars-exploration themed rover captivated judges with its functionality, adaptability and precise engineering, defeating competitors from 15 participating nations.
According to their mentor, Muhammad Fakhri Che Lah, the outstanding result stemmed from sustained commitment, strategic training and determination despite limitations faced by students from remote communities.
The students tested multiple prototypes throughout the year before finalising the winning design.
Team representative, 12-year-old Vyonnie Jezzy James Marcel, said the competition pushed them to think critically and act swiftly under pressure.
“Although we had four hours, we completed the task earlier with detailed sensor programming, using high screen line and ultrasonic sensors to stabilise movement,” she said.
Petrosains representative Norhana Hamim described the victory as a milestone for inclusive STEM empowerment, proving that when children are provided equal access to learning platforms, their potential knows no boundaries.
She emphasised the achievement challenges previous misconceptions that Orang Asli students could not perform at par with global participants.
Malaysia’s IRO 2025 delegation comprised 15 Orang Asli students across five schools, collectively earning additional honours including a bronze medal and three Technical Awards through strategic collaboration involving Petrosains, the Ministry of Education and OPITO.
