Kedah: The Northern Region National Science Week (MSN) 2025 Carnival is essential for igniting the younger generation's interest in the field of science, technology, and innovation. Kedah Industry and Investment, Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah emphasized the importance of the carnival, organized by the National Science Centre, in encouraging innovation from an early age, particularly at the school level.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah stated, "On behalf of the Kedah government, we fully support this programme and express our gratitude to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and the National Science Centre for organizing it. This is part of our efforts to nurture more young people to become experts in various scientific and technological fields, in line with national needs." The three-day carnival, which began today, is taking place at its Northern Regional Branch.
Haim Hilman further mentioned that the carnival's organization aligns with the state government's plan to introduce the 1,000 Young Scientists Programme next year. This initiative aims to increase youth interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). "The country requires at least 60 per cent of students to pursue STEM fields. Kedah will play an active role in helping the nation achieve this goal," he added.
MOSTI deputy secretary-general (Planning and Science Enculturation) Ruziah Shafei, in her speech at the event, highlighted that the MSN is a MOSTI initiative designed to bring Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) closer to the public. She explained that to sustain the success and momentum of the MSN celebrations in 2025, MOSTI will continue to adopt a comprehensive grassroots approach, implementing physical activities in various locations across both Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.
Ruziah Shafei noted, "So far, the MSN 2025 Carnival has been held in four regions, starting in Sarawak in May, followed by the Eastern Zone in June, Sabah in July, and the Southern Zone in September." She also mentioned that the carnival promotes a learning-through-play concept for families and has benefitted over 30,000 participants, including both local residents and the public.
Additionally, this year's MSN Carnival honored the winners of the 2025 National Remote Control (RC) Jet Competition, organized by the National Science Centre, which ran from Thursday to today. The team from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 9 (2) was crowned champion of the competition, featuring 45 teams from schools across the nation.
Team member Muhammad Danish Irsyad Roslan, 16, expressed surprise at winning as it was his first competition against many talented and experienced participants. He shared, "During training, we often made mistakes and struggled to control the RC aircraft properly, but our teacher's encouragement motivated us to keep trying until we succeeded."
His teammate, Raja Hibah Mardhiyah Raja Ahmad Mukhlis, 16, stated that winning had inspired her to participate in more competitions to further her interest in the STEM field.