Malaysia’s Young Talents Shine At Universal Robotics Challenge 2025 In Osaka

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Ten exceptional young Malaysians have made their mark on the international stage at the Universal Robotics Challenge (URC) 2025 in Osaka, Japan, earning recognition for their creativity, determination and innovation.

The Malaysia Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka, in a statement, said a breakthrough was recorded this year when the team from Sekolah Menengah (SM) Sains Hulu Terengganu secured second place in the Python Division, marking Malaysia’s first medal from URC International.

“Other teams achieved commendable placements, with one advancing into the top 10 in the Advanced Division and others reaching the top 20 in both the Advanced and Regular divisions.

“These results reflect Malaysia’s steady progress in robotics and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and highlight the resilience and creativity of the nation’s youth,” it said.

According to the statement, the students were hosted at the Malaysia Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka, before competing on Sept 20, a symbolic moment underscoring the pavilion’s role in celebrating national talent and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Apart from SM Sains Hulu Terengganu, the students, aged 10 to 15, represented schools from across the country, including Soleh Islamic School Cyberjaya.

Many of them were nurtured through the Tech Up Lab in Hulu Terengganu, founded by educator Ridhuan Azman, and supported by Tech Up Sdn Bhd and Yayasan MySDG, which has been grooming rural students for STEM opportunities since 2017.

“For several of these young talents, URC 2025 marked not only their first international competition but also their first experience abroad, a transformative milestone made possible through the combined support of their schools, families and community,” the statement read.

Organised by Japan’s Artec Co Ltd, with Tech Up Sdn Bhd as Malaysia’s local partner, the ninth edition of URC brought together hundreds of young innovators from 14 countries to compete across categories such as Real Robotics Regular, Real Robotics Advanced, and Python, which challenge teams to design and programme solutions on the spot.

Malaysia competed in all three divisions, aligning with the competition’s focus on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 9.

As Expo 2025 Osaka continues, the Malaysia Pavilion said the achievements of these students amplify its mission to present Malaysia not only as a nation rich in heritage, but also as one that is shaping a future of innovation and excellence.

“The visit reflected the Pavilion’s theme, ‘Weaving a Future in Harmony,’ and showcased Malaysia’s ability to nurture world-class talent even from the most modest beginnings,” said the statement.

-- BERNAMA