Putrajaya:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim celebrated the winners of the National Science Challenge (NSC) 2026 at a special meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) stated that the meeting provided a platform for the winners to share their experiences and achievements. The event underscored the younger generation's potential to apply scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Anwar emphasized the importance of strengthening Malaysia's innovation-based economy by encouraging more youth to explore, question, experiment, and generate science, technology, and innovation (STI) solutions.
Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School was named the NSC 2026 champion, followed by Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tsung Wah, Perak, as the runner-up, and SMK Agama Jerlun, Kedah, in third place. SMK Desa Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, and SMK Tapu, Terengganu, took fourth and fifth places, respectively.
The event also celebrated M. Lakshanyaa from SMK Convent (M) Bukit Mertajam, Penang, who received the Best Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Communicator Award, and Foo Xylyn from SMK Chung Hwa, Kelantan, who was awarded the Best Early Stage Participant Award. The champion and runner-up teams, along with both award recipients, will participate in a scientific study tour to Japan from October 4 to 10, sponsored by the Japan Science and Technology Agency under the Sakura Science High School Program.
MOSTI reiterated its commitment to strengthening STEM education, expanding opportunities for youth to explore science and innovation, and nurturing talent capable of contributing to national development in line with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Chang Lih Kang, highlighted the NSC's role in sparking interest in STEM as a learning and career path for the younger generation.
The NSC, organized by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), is a premier national STEM competition for Malaysian students aged 13 to 16. ASM President and Science, Technology and Innovation Adviser to the Prime Minister, Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, stated that the NSC encourages students to develop critical evaluation skills and understand that solving problems requires continuous trial, evaluation, and improvement.