Kuala lumpur: Malaysia Techlympics 2026 (MT2026), a significant initiative aimed at fostering science, technology, and innovation (STI) talent, is set to take place from July to September, with an ambitious target of engaging 1.8 million young participants, including students and youths from all over the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) announced that the fifth edition of this program is designed to cultivate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among individuals aged six to 30. The initiative is aligned with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) 2021-2030 and will feature high-impact competitions, inclusive outreach programs, as well as educational and training activities extending beyond the traditional classroom environment.
The ministry's statement highlighted the collaborative efforts involving various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Education (MOE), State Education Departments (JPN), government agencies, industry partners, and state governments through relevant executive council members. This year, 90 competitions featuring 182 STI modules will be available, covering diverse fields such as renewable energy, drones, robotics, engineering, forensics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, biotechnology, and green technology.
MOSTI further detailed that outreach programs have been conducted in selected rural schools to bolster the STEM education ecosystem and foster increased interest in STI-based learning. The program maintains its dedication to inclusivity by focusing on the participation of students from the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI).
The Malaysia Techlympics will commence with preliminary regional competitions starting in the Southern Zone at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) in Johor, and will proceed to the Central Zone at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), East Zone at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), East Zone 2 at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), and Northern Zone at Kulim Hi-Tech Park. The competitions will then progress to the Sabah Zone at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and conclude in the Sarawak Zone at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS). These regional competitions are scheduled from July to September, while the Malaysia Techlympics 2026 National Final is slated for November at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
MOSTI emphasized that this initiative is designed to further promote STI culture and literacy, while expanding access to knowledge, technology, and innovation, particularly among rural communities. The program aspires to nurture a competitive, innovative, and technologically literate generation, enhancing STI as a catalyst for public well-being, national prosperity, and Malaysia's MADANI development.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang remarked on the primary enhancement introduced in this edition, which is the incorporation of AiRIMAU, an intelligent learning platform that enables participants to explore Agentic Artificial Intelligence (Agentic AI) through engaging and practical learning experiences. He stated that the introduction of this platform underscores MOSTI's commitment to providing the younger generation with early exposure to future technologies, equipping them with the capability to use these technologies responsibly, creatively, and ethically.