Curtin Malaysia ignites future innovators at STEM Trailblazers 2025 with state-level robotics showdown

Miri, Sarawak – 23 July 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) lit up the future of STEM in Sarawak with its dynamic STEM Trailblazers 2025, an electrifying event that brought together the brightest young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics on 18 and 19 July 2025.

Held under the bold theme ‘Unleashing National Robotics Competition (NRC),’ the event marked a historic first for Miri as it hosted the Sarawak State-Level NRC alongside the flagship STEM Trailblazers at Curtin Malaysia’s campus. More than 152 teams comprising 456 students and 152 teachers from across Sarawak competed in the robotics showdown, turning the university into a high-energy hub of innovation, problem-solving, and youthful creativity.

Officiated by Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, and Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister II (Talent Development), the event at the university’s Recreation  Event Centre drew an impressive crowd of over 1,100 participants and was co-organised with i-CATS University College, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Sarawak Skills, and University of Technology Sarawak. Strong backing came from the Ministry of Education Malaysia, the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS), and Sasbadi Holdings Berhad.

“This is not just an event. It is the beginning of a larger journey, one where every student is encouraged to dream big, build boldly, and become part of Sarawak’s STEM future,” said Dato Sri Roland during his opening address.

The event featured a vibrant mix of competitions, hands-on workshops, and tech exhibitions, including 21 Curtin Malaysia faculty exhibitions; 11 external exhibitors ranging from NASA Space Apps to Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC); 11 student-focused workshops covering sustainability, robotics, finance, agriculture, coding, and data science; and a special industrial talk on global health innovation by Brilynne Zhang and Satyaprakash Tiwari from Buzud Reimagined Healthcare.

In a highlight of the event, students showcased their talents in competitive categories such as RoboMission Rookie, RoboMission Pro, and STEM Innovation & Invention. Datuk Francis lauded their “creativity, courage and cooperative spirit,” calling the experience a foundation for future innovation and leadership.

Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, said the event was a celebration of curiosity and collaboration.

“It wasn’t just about robotics. It was about building confidence, teamwork and solutions for real-world problems. STEM Trailblazers also allowed Curtin Malaysia to demonstrate our strengths in engineering, science, and digital innovation, and how we contribute to the region’s development,” he said.

“With Curtin Malaysia being a proud Sarawak Government-owned institution, the event aligns with the state’s vision for a digitally empowered, green economy, supporting initiatives in hydrogen, AI, and sustainability, STEM Trailblazers 2025 was more than a competition; it was a launchpad for the next generation of Sarawakian tech leaders,” Professor Lee added.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Dato Sri Roland (front, 2nd left), Datuk Francis (standing behind), and other VIPs with young inventors at a Future Innovators booth.

Group photo at the NRC opening ceremony, with Dato Sri Roland seated centre.

Students in action at the Sarawak-level National Robotics Competition.

Curtin Malaysia lecturer Foad Motalebi conducting a drone workshop.

Datuk Francis (5th right), Professor Lee (2nd left), and officials with NRC competition winners.