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USM HOSTS NATIONAL ROBOTICS COMPETITION 2026 PENANG STATE LEVEL

NIBONG TEBAL, 30 July 2026 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has once again demonstrated its role as a hub for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) talent development by hosting the Penang State Level of the National Robotics Competition (NRC) 2026.

A total of 277 teams, comprising 65 primary schools and 46 secondary schools from across Penang, participated in the prestigious competition held on 29 and 30 July 2026 to test their creativity, technical skills and innovation in robotics, while competing for the opportunity to advance to the national level.

Carrying the theme “Robots Meet Culture”, NRC 2026 highlighted the exploration of how robotics technology can be utilised to preserve, enhance and promote arts and cultural heritage.

 

The competition also served as a platform for students to apply their STEM knowledge through robot construction, programming and problem-solving activities.

A total of 13 competition categories were contested, covering Robomission Junior, Robomission Rookie, Robomission Pro, Future Innovators, Robosports as well as STEM Invention and Innovation. The challenges included Junior Rockstars, Robot Rockstars, Heritage Heroes, Mosaic Masters, Double Tennis and the JOM TARIK! Challenge.

This year’s competition was organised through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education Malaysia, Penang State Education Department, Sasbadi Holdings Berhad and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), with university-level coordination led by Ts. Dr. Noramalina Abdullah from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

 

 

According to her, the hosting of NRC 2026 at USM’s Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus (KKTSS) reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the national agenda in strengthening STEM education through close collaboration among higher education institutions, schools, educational agencies and industry partners.

“This initiative is in line with efforts to nurture a generation of young people who are creative, innovative and prepared to face future technological challenges. We also greatly appreciate the support from Jambatan Kedua Sdn. Bhd. (JKSB), which sponsored the use of the Main Hall and the implementation of the ROBOCAN activities,” said Dr. Amalina.

“The contribution has helped provide a conducive competition environment for participants, supervising teachers, judges and organisers, while contributing to the successful implementation of NRC 2026,” she added.

The Closing Ceremony of the competition was officiated by the Chairman of Jambatan Kedua Sdn. Bhd. (JKSB), Datuk Haji Abdul Malik Abul Kassim.

The list of champions who will represent Penang at the national-level National Robotics Competition (NRC) 2026 for each category is as follows:

  • Robomission Pro (Primary School): Sekolah Kebangsaan Pauh Jaya
  • Robomission Pro (Lower and Upper Secondary School): Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Ling (CF)
  • Future Innovators (Primary School) and STEM Invention and Innovation: Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Peng Bin
  • Future Innovators (Lower Secondary School): Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Ling Butterworth
  • Future Innovators (Upper Secondary School): Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bukit Mertajam
  • Robosports: Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Jit Sin (CF), Bukit Mertajam
  • Robomission Rookie (Sekolah Kebangsaan): Sekolah Kebangsaan Convent Green Lane
  • Robomission Rookie (Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan): Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Phor Tay
  • Robomission Rookie (Lower Secondary School): Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jit Sin II
  • Robomission Rookie (Upper Secondary School): Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Prai
  • Robomission Junior: Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Perempuan China

Text and Photos: Courtesy of NRC 2026 Secretariat