Solar car contest, space camp in Keningau

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KENINGAU: Solar car competition and the Astronaut Space Science Camp are among the exciting activities lined up for the state-level Science and Mathematics programme that was launched here yesterday.

The other activities to be held on September 17 to 18 at the Keningau community hall and sports complex are exhibitions, science demonstrations, innovation workshops, interactive lectures, glass carving demonstrations and musical performances.

National astronaut Major Dr Faiz Khaleed will share his experience and knowledge on astronauts and the importance of mastering Science and Mathematics at an early age.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI)and Myrobotz Enterprise will jointly organize the 1Innospace solar-powered mini car competition which consists of the schools and open categories, and involves nearly 300 participants.

Participants will be challenged to design and build a solar-powered car based on a basic kit which is supplied with solar panels and motors. Completed vehicles will be tested through the race to be held to find a winner based on the fastest time.

To enrich innovation, especially at grassroots level, the Walk Innovation programme will be held from September 17 to 19.

The programme, through the Innovation Foundation of Malaysia (YIM), an agency under MOSTI, and in collaboration with the state government will track the results of local innovations that have the potential to be further developed and commercialized.

Sabah is the second state after Malacca to hold the Walk Innovation programme, and the location of this innovation is in the Interior Zone, Tambunan, Keningau and Tenom.

During the programme, scientists, engineers and officers of MOSTI and YIM will move to the remote areas to look at local innovations.

The Walk Innovation convoy will document these products for creating a database.

The Walk Innovation in Sabah is targeting to identify least 12 grassroots innovative products.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan simultaneously launched the two programmes at the community hall here yesterday.

The Science and Mathematics programme is aimed to increase interest and encourage the community to be more active in Science and Mathematics while the Walk Innovation programme is aimed to nourish innovative ideas at grassroots level.

The programme which was initiated by the MOSTI, has the support and cooperation of the state government, including the Ministry of Education where a total of 132 activities will be implemented this year throughout the country.

The function was attended by about 3,000 people.

The PPSM theme “Go Science, Love Maths”, had been designed and structured to achieve its main objective of promoting Science and Mathematics in all walks of life.

This programme is part of the government’s efforts to enable the community to be competitive in facing the challenges of globalization and achieve a developed nation status by 2020.

In his speech, Science, Technology and Innovation  Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili expressed his confidence that the community would benefit from the various activities in conjunction with the promotion of Science and Mathematics programme this year.

“The activities conducted through this year’s Science and Mathematics programme will create awareness among the public that Science and Mathematics are important in our lives. Science and Mathematics are essential in the development of human capital,” he said.