MY FIRST ROBOT: CSR ROBOTICS WORKSHOP INSPIRES YOUNG MINDS IN STEM

NIBONG TEBAL, 12 August 2025 – The “My First Robot” CSR Robotics Workshop, jointly organised by the USM Robocon Team and Jambatan Kedua Sdn. Bhd. (JKSB) successfully introduced students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Prai and Sekolah Kebangsaan Batu Kawan to the world of robotics through structured learning and creative activities.

Highlighting the programme’s objective, JKSB Chairman Dato’ Haji Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said that “My First Robot” is part of the company’s proactive initiative to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education at the school level.

“This CSR programme is not merely a statutory obligation, but a commitment to giving back to the community,” Abdul Malik said.

“We believe in nurturing a generation of highly skilled individuals who can compete globally, in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

He added that technology remains at the core of JKSB’s operations, which include AI-powered CCTV, vehicle incident detection systems, dynamic road signage, and real-time monitoring platforms.

“These advancements have earned JKSB international recognition, including the ‘Most Advanced Technology Implemented in Malaysia’ award from N-WORK for highway operations,” he said.

Through the implementation of this programme and in conjunction with the event, JKSB also presented a Diamond Package sponsorship worth RM20,000 to the Robocon Team.

Representing the Director of the USM Student Development Centre, Dr. Hazrul Abdul Hamid expressed his appreciation to JKSB for being the programme’s main sponsor.

“We hope the event runs smoothly and that all students will enjoy the activities we have prepared,” he said.

Meticulously designed for beginners, the one-day workshop guided participants from foundational theory to hands-on application, covering mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, programming, and troubleshooting.

The programme aims to achieve its objective by enabling students to build fully functional robots, resolve hardware-software interaction issues, and develop critical problem-solving skills, while fostering their confidence and interest in STEM.

The programme, jointly organised by the School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, was also attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB), Dato’ Faisal Shahbudin, Advisors to the USM Robocon Team, Ts. Dr. Noramalina Abdullah and Dr. Abdul Sattar Din, as well as the School Improvement Specialist Coach (SISC+) for TVET at the Seberang Perai Tengah District Education Office, Mohd Nizaidi Hussin.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Muhammad Taufik ABdul Rahman